What is the False 9 position in football?

The False 9 is a centre-forward who drops deep, often in between the lines, to receive the ball and link up play.

The purpose of the false 9 is simple: to draw a centre back out of position, opening up space for others to exploit. If a midfielder drops back to track the false 9, there's an overload they have to contend with in the centre of the park.

Austrian forward Matthias Sindelar was known to play in the false 9 position in the 1930s, while Nandor Hidegkuti did the same with the great Hungarian side of the 1950s.

However, the term "False 9" was popularised in modern football by Pep Guardiola, who used Lionel Messi in that position at Barcelona. Messi dropping deep created triangles in midfield, and Barca's short passing and rapid movement meant this was highly effective.

A false 9 must be extremely good on the ball and with their passing and link-up play.

Examples of a false 9 in recent times, apart from Messi, are Cesc Fabregas at Euro 2012 and Roberto Firmino under Jurgen Klopp.

Who is your favourite False 9? Let us know in the comments!