What Makes a Great Number Six?
The holding midfielder rarely makes the highlights reel, but every great team has one. We look at the qualities that define the role.
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They don't always score or assist, but watch any top side closely and you'll find a player quietly holding everything together.
Positioning first
The best number sixes are rarely sprinting. They are already in the right place — screening passes into the strikers and offering a simple option to teammates.
Calm on the ball
Receiving under pressure and turning away from danger is a skill that takes years to master. A good six keeps the ball moving and the team calm.
Reading the game
Interceptions are the signature of a top holding midfielder: stepping in front of a pass before the opponent even realises the danger.
The modern twist
Today's sixes are also expected to start attacks, switch play with long passes and occasionally arrive late in the box.
