Coaches' Voice takes a detailed look at the history, tactical role, advantages and disadvantages of the No 6 position.
What is a No 6?
A No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6s, they operate underneath a single No 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 No 10.
A single No 6 can also operate within a 4-4-2 diamond, below, a 3-5-2, or a 3-4-3 diamond structure. Two No 6s also feature in a 3-4-3 or 4-2-2-2.
Where did the term ‘No 6’ originate?
The term ‘No 6’ 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 No 6 would often be assigned to the deepest central midfielder, below. Even if worn by a centre-back, the No 6 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.
The in-possession responsibilities of a No 6
The No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6 can unlock defences. They can play passes through, around or over a block, as well as providing quick switches of play, below.
The No 6 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.
The out-of-possession responsibilities of a No 6
The No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6 supports a high press by covering access into the opposing central forward. They often do this by screening. The No 6 must also jump on to opposing central midfielders when higher teammates commit forward.
In a more set block, the No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6 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.
Examples of a No 6 in modern football
Sergio Busquets (Barcelona, Inter Miami and Spain)
Jorginho (Napoli, Chelsea, Arsenal and Italy)
Rodri (Atletico Madrid, Manchester City and Spain)
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich and Germany)
Declan Rice (West Ham United, Arsenal and England)
Casemiro (Real Madrid, Manchester United and Brazil)
Fabinho (Monaco, Liverpool and Brazil)
What are the benefits of playing with a No 6?
When used as part of a three-player central midfield, the No 6 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 No 6 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 No 6 allows a team to operate with two number eights, who can then join the attack earlier. With the No 6 covering, supporting and protecting just behind, the eights can take up aggressive positions in the front line.
The disadvantages of playing with a single No 6
If teams that play with a single No 6 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 No 6. They are then unable to screen, cover or protect key areas inside their own half.
Finally, a single No 6 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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