02 Jul 2026 19:13:19
I'm not a fan of no 10s in the modern game. The game's evolved and wide players are the key attackers in world football. PSG the perfect example.
I prefer two wide players and a Firmino-type 9 that can drop in when needed.
You're sacrificing more playing a 10 than without one. They need to be extremely special or you're losing out in both midfield and attack.
Bellingham's numbers for Madrid the last 2 seasons are underwhelming.
How he's seen as "world class" is nothing but Beckham level PR. Madrid have won nothing in two seasons and he's more suited to an 8, Lampard type.
Wirtz was underwhelming last season, you can sugarcoat it about slot but he was underwhelming and you're not getting the pace and athleticism you'd get with Bellingham.
Can anyone name me a current world class 10?
02 Jul 2026 19:58:23
Bruno Fernandes. He was brilliant last season.
As annoying as he can be for his antics, I have to admit he is incredible.
02 Jul 2026 20:14:19
Do you know why Bobby was different as a 9? Because he played like a 10.
02 Jul 2026 20:19:44
Olise's playing for France as a no. 10 and looks their best player by a mile.
A no. 10 can't just sit in the pocket behind the striker waiting for stuff to come to them. A halfway competent DM's gonna snuff that out. They need to roam about, look for the ball, interchange with the wingers, or maybe a deeper midfielder.
Like Olise does.
I can't speak for how Trent's wife plays for RM, but for England Kane keeps dropping deep, leaving him to run in behind, whilst Madueke and Gordon usually stay on their flanks. They need to interchange between the right, left and centre more imo.
02 Jul 2026 20:39:36
I didn't even know Trent was married.
02 Jul 2026 21:23:10
As many have pointed out, Bruno Fernandes is probably the best No.10 going in world football right now. I'd also raise you Cherki who was superb last season and has every chance to become a world class no.10. Odegaard is also a very underrated player, but just shy of world class. McTominay has been superb for Napoli, although world class is clearly pushing it with him. Musiala at Bayern is definitely world class. Bellingham is not world class in my opinion but has world class moments. Palmer and Foden were on their way to being world class, but their drop off last season was quite surprising.
Rogers looks to have the potential to be world class. Olmo at Barcelona is a very good player, but admittedly not world class.
I think for a short time the game became obsessed with athletically superior players who could follow rigid instruction, and that kind of killed the maverick no.10's. The game does seem as though it's recovering now though, and the fun is coming back. It seems a bit blinkered to act as though no.10's are extinct entirely just because PSG are the pinnacle of club football right now and don't play with one.
02 Jul 2026 22:50:57
A certain number 10 for Argentina is still pretty decent.