Position · Attack · ST
What does a striker / no. 9 do?
The attacking reference point and finisher. Attacks depth (the space in behind), holds the ball up with back-to-goal so the team can push up, and triggers the high press by deciding which side to close.
How the striker / no. 9 moves
Alternates between running in behind (attacking depth) and dropping short (receiving to feet). In defence, makes the first press run — curving it to funnel the opposition build-up to one side.
Types of striker / no. 9
- Penalty-box predator (fox-in-the-box): lives in the area, specialist finisher.
- False 9: drops into midfield, drags a centre-back out of position and opens space for the wingers.
- Target man (pivot): physically dominant, holds up the ball and acts as a lay-off point.
- Mobile 9: rotates across positions, disrupts the defensive shape.
Why the striker / no. 9 plays there
When he drops to receive, he forces the centre-back into an impossible choice: follow (creates a gap in behind for the winger to run into) or stay (lets the striker turn and face up). The dilemma he creates is as valuable as the goals he scores.
In Gaffer FC you click the striker / no. 9 on an interactive pitch and switch formations to see how the role shifts. See inside the app.