FORCED INTO A "FALSE NINE" BY INJURY?

How the midfield interact with the deeper lying forward - particularlywhen your centre forward is not available!

If my team’s regular centre forward is unavailable, I like to play two centre attacking midfield players with a deeper lying forward (trendily called a “false nine”) just in front of them (almost like a triangle) but fluidity is needed to maximise this strong unit!

​

Defensively, I expect the three centre midfield players to interact throughout and for all three to protect the centre of the park and the central defence especially!

 

But, when the “false nine” drops back to get the ball (as they often do, often being skilful, technical players in the team) we need them to interchange with one of the CAM’s from their team. This allows the shape to be retained in attack AND defence.
 

To do this players need to communicate better as a unit!

 

The other CAM becomes the "constant" in the midfield staying central and driving the team

forward!!

​

If playing against a strong team I believe you need two defensive WITH one attacker (at the point of the triangle) but against weaker teams you can go with one at the base and two supporting the front!
 

Players should not just change position without communicating with team mates but this axis, if playing responsibly, can make your team the strongest in the league!!
 

If any players do not understand any of this, or your role within it, please speak to your coach about it, understanding is crucial!