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Is False 9 Good? The Truth Behind This Tactic

Is False 9 Good? The Truth Behind This Tactic

What Exactly is a False 9?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. What is a False 9?

In simple terms, a False 9 is a striker who doesn’t actually play like a traditional striker. Instead of staying high up the pitch, battling with center-backs, and waiting for crosses, he drops deeper into midfield, dragging defenders out of position and creating space for teammates.

Think of it as a hybrid role: part forward, part playmaker. It’s not about being the top goal-scorer (though that can happen), but more about disrupting defensive lines and linking play.

I remember watching Lionel Messi in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona and thinking: Wait, where is he even playing? One second, he’s in midfield, then suddenly he’s inside the box finishing a move. That’s the magic of the False 9.

Is False 9 Actually Effective?

1. Why It Works So Well

This system can be devastatingly effective when executed properly. Here’s why:

Pulling Defenders Out of Position – When a striker drops deep, center-backs have to decide: follow him (and leave gaps behind) or stay put (and let him operate freely). Either way, it’s trouble.

Creating Space for Wingers & Midfielders – If defenders track the False 9, it opens huge spaces for inside forwards or attacking midfielders to exploit.

Unpredictability – A traditional No. 9 is easier to mark. A False 9? Good luck. He’s moving constantly, making defenders uncomfortable.

Example: Barcelona’s famous Messi as False 9 system completely destroyed Real Madrid in multiple El Clásicos. Defenders just didn’t know how to deal with it.

2. When It Doesn’t Work

Of course, the False 9 is not some cheat code that guarantees success. It has clear weaknesses:

Against Deep-Block Defenses – If the opposition sits back and defends deep, there’s no space to exploit. A classic target man might be better in this case.

If You Lack Fast Wingers – The False 9 thrives when quick, intelligent runners attack the spaces he creates. Without them, he just ends up looking isolated.

Not Every Striker Can Do It – You need an elite player who’s technically gifted, tactically intelligent, and a good passer. Someone like Harry Kane? Yes. Erling Haaland? Probably not.

I remember a game where a team tried playing a slow, traditional No. 9 in a False 9 role… disaster. He kept dropping deep but wasn’t comfortable linking play, and the attack completely fell apart.

Who Are the Best False 9 Players in History?

1. Lionel Messi (The Ultimate False 9)

Messi at Barcelona redefined this role. He scored goals like a No. 9, but also created like a No. 10. Pep Guardiola’s system made the False 9 famous, and Messi executed it to perfection.

2. Francesco Totti (The Playmaking Striker)

Totti played a False 9 role at Roma long before it became mainstream. He wasn’t the fastest, but his passing and vision made him deadly.

3. Cesc Fàbregas (The Unusual Experiment)

Spain, at Euro 2012, had no real striker. So they put Fàbregas as a False 9. It looked weird at times, but… they won the tournament. So, yeah, it worked.

4. Roberto Firmino (Liverpool’s Key to Success)

Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool thrived with Firmino as a False 9. He didn’t score tons of goals, but his pressing, movement, and link-up play allowed Salah and Mané to shine.

Should Your Team Use a False 9?

Alright, so should your team (or the one you support) actually try this tactic?

YES, if:

  • You have intelligent wingers who can exploit space (like Salah, Mané, or Mbappé).
  • Your striker is technically gifted and a good passer.
  • You like playing possession-based football with lots of movement.

NO, if:

  • You rely on crosses and aerial duels (because no one will be in the box).
  • You play against deep defensive blocks regularly.
  • Your striker is a traditional goal poacher (think Haaland, Vlahović, etc.).

Final Verdict: Is the False 9 Good?

Short answer? Yes, but only in the right system.

If you have the right players and play an attacking, fluid system, the False 9 can be one of the most effective tactics in football. But if you force it with the wrong personnel? You’re just making life harder for yourself.

So next time you see a team playing without a traditional striker, pay attention to their movement. You might just be witnessing a masterclass in False 9 football!

How much height should a boy have to look attractive?

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Is 172 cm good for a man?

Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years)
14 Years112.0 lb. (50.8 kg)64.5" (163.8 cm)
15 Years123.5 lb. (56.02 kg)67.0" (170.1 cm)
16 Years134.0 lb. (60.78 kg)68.3" (173.4 cm)
17 Years142.0 lb. (64.41 kg)69.0" (175.2 cm)

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.