What is a number six?
A number six is a deep-lying midfielder or defensive midfielder who plays at the base of a central-midfield unit. A team can have one player in the number-six role, commonly supporting two number eights ahead. In that case, the six forms part of a midfield triangle in a 4-3-3 shape.
When a team plays two number sixes, they operate underneath a single number 10, which flips the midfield triangle. Below, Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka for Bayern Munich are the six pairing, with Jamal Musiala as a single 10.
A single number six can also operate within a 4-4-2 diamond (below), a 3-5-2, or a 3-4-3 diamond structure. Two number sixes also feature in a 3-4-3 or 4-2-2-2.
Where did the term ‘number six’ originate?
The term ‘number six’ has its origin in English football’s introduction of numbered shirts for starting XIs. A significant landmark for player numbers came on August 25 1928, when they were trialled in two Football League games – Arsenal against The Wednesday (now Sheffield Wednesday), and Chelsea against Swansea Town (now Swansea City).
At this time, a 2-3-5 was the most popular formation. When a team was written down, the goalkeeper was depicted first and the forward line last, with players numbered 1-11, from left to right. That meant that the goalkeeper was number one, and the defensive line of two full-backs two and three. The midfield line – the right-half, centre-half and left-half – were numbers four, five and six respectively (below).
As formations evolved to include a back four, the positional meaning of 1-11 numbers were often close to their 2-3-5 assignments. Left and right full-backs kept numbers two and three. The number six would often be assigned to the deepest central midfielder (below). Even if worn by a centre-back, the six had key roles in defending and passing from central areas.
Indeed, some countries and coaches use the number four when referring to the deepest central midfielder. In these cases, the two central defenders are the numbers five and six. No matter what the number, however, the role remains the same.
What are the in-possession responsibilities of a number six?
The number six is often the main passing link between the back line and the midfield unit. They operate mostly in the spaces ahead of the centre-backs, and must offer short-passing options through subtle and well-timed movements.
A number six may also be required to drop into the back line during build-up play. Here, they either split the centre-backs (below) or move to one side. They must be tactically versatile, with a good understanding of teammates' movements and the timing of any subsequent rotations.
Another key attribute is scanning, which increases their awareness of space, teammates and the opposition press. They must be able to receive and play forward as often as possible, receiving on the half-turn and breaking lines.
The number six is often a team's main passing link. They must be able to accurately switch play across the pitch, away from pressure. Some can also drive and dribble forward to progress the ball up the pitch, before passing to advanced teammates.
When operating higher up the pitch, the number six must recognise when to change the tempo of an attack. By speeding it up or slowing it down, they can manipulate opposing defences and blocks. With a varied, accurate passing range, a six can unlock defences. They can play passes through, around or over a block, as well as providing quick switches of play (below).
The number six can also connect directly with the front line, through longer passes over an opposing block. Targeting the spaces in behind, they can hit diagonal balls for the far-side winger. Alternatively, they can bend passes – usually round the corner – for a centre-forward.
What are the out-of-possession responsibilities of a number six?
The number six must stop, break up or limit opposing counter-attacks. They often become the first line of defence on transition. Here, they can operate underneath the ball when their team reaches the final third (below).
A six can stop counter-attacks by winning first and second contacts, breaking up play, regaining loose balls and dominating duels. This can also keep the opposition locked into their own half, which helps a team to sustain repeated attacks.
Without the ball, the number six supports a high press by covering access into the opposing central forward. They often do this by screening. The six must also jump on to opposing central midfielders when higher teammates commit forward.
In a more set block, the six focuses on screening central passes, blocking the opponents' access to the Zone 14 space (below).
They may also mark a direct opponent if operating within a low block. This would usually involve covering and tracking the opposing number 10.
A number six can drop into the back line and act as an extra defender. With a back three, they can maintain cover of central spaces if one of the wider centre-backs covers wide.
A six can also cover in a back four if the opposition drag a defender out. Equally, they can drop into a temporary back line of five to act as an additional defensive presence.
Who are good examples of a number six in modern football?
• Sergio Busquets, with Barcelona, Inter Miami and Spain
• Jorginho, with Napoli, Chelsea, Arsenal and Italy
• Rodri, with Atlético Madrid, Manchester City and Spain
• Joshua Kimmich, with Bayern Munich and Germany
• Declan Rice, with West Ham, Arsenal and England
• Casemiro, with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Brazil
• Fabinho, with Monaco, Liverpool and Brazil
What are the benefits of playing with a number six?
When used as part of a three-player central midfield, the number six can help overload a two-player midfield. They can dominate possession, finding spaces to break the opponents’ press and progress the ball up the pitch (below).
The number six adds additional defensive cover, balance, screening and protection just ahead of the central defence. They can also block access into the feet of an opposing central forward.
A single number six allows a team to operate with two number eights, who can then join the attack earlier. With the six covering, supporting and protecting just behind, the eights can take up aggressive positions in the front line.
What are the disadvantages of playing with a single number six?
If teams that play with a single number six need them to move to cover wide areas, they will leave central spaces exposed.
Similarly, any opposition playing with multiple number 10s or players between the lines can overload a single number six. They are then unable to screen, cover or protect key areas inside their own half.
Finally, a single six is unable to cover passing lines to two central forwards. This can place a bigger strain on their centre-back teammates.
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