| The box-to-box 8 21:36 - Sep 1 with 5921 views | cpgerber |
I hear a lot of talk about us needing a box-to-box 8, but what exactly is that player suppose to be and what is needed to accommodate that position? And what will be sacrificed?
We currently set up with a back 4. Two holding mids, two wingers, a 10 and a striker.
So where is this 8 supposed to fit in? I personally prefer us playing with wingers (call me old school) and think the setup against Charlton was pretty much where we are at right now.
For the 8 to fit in (between the holding mids and 10), we probably have to play 5 at the back with 2 wing-backs, doing away with the wingers. Not sure I like that idea, its a radical change I can't see us having the time to adapt to. Saito and Smyth could probably fill those roles, but Poku and especially Dembele much less suited to it.
Worst of it all, suppose we get an 8, we need another as backup, otherwise we constantly have to switch formation when the 8 is injured or suspended. Or force someone else into the role. |  | | |  |
| The box-to-box 8 on 15:02 - Sep 2 with 1647 views | DannyPaddox |
If I was playing against chatGPT I’d go in two footed leaving a mess of broken transistors, silicon, and semi conductors all over the pitch. “Over-aggressive challenges in the mid-park can lead to the refereeing official issuing a sending off dismissal commonly facilitated by inserting his adjudication hand in either his shirt or shorts pocket and displaying a small yet clearly visible rectangular shaped quadrangle coloured red”. I’d hear fading into the distance as I walked off for an early shower. |  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 15:05 - Sep 2 with 1632 views | charmr |
But there is a world shortage of number 6’s that QPR can cultivate and make millions .
I thought that was the game plan. Strewth |  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 15:25 - Sep 2 with 1588 views | dmm |
When needed we have the option to play Varane, Hayden and Field as a middle defensive 3 or a 666. That'd be a beast to play against. |  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 15:43 - Sep 2 with 1560 views | kensalriser |
| The box-to-box 8 on 15:25 - Sep 2 by dmm |
When needed we have the option to play Varane, Hayden and Field as a middle defensive 3 or a 666. That'd be a beast to play against. |
Or more likely, a diabolical midfield. So no change. |  |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:25 - Sep 2 with 1462 views | stevenagehoop |
| The box-to-box 8 on 14:38 - Sep 2 by OldPedro |
Just for fun the ChatGPT answer is this........
In football (soccer), a box-to-box 8 refers to a central midfielder who wears the number 8 shirt and plays a dynamic, all-action role. This player operates between both penalty areas (hence "box-to-box") and contributes significantly to both attacking and defensive phases of play.
🔑 Key Responsibilities of a Box-to-Box 8:
1. Defensive Duties
Track back to help defend, especially during counterattacks.
Make tackles, interceptions, and blocks.
Press opponents to win the ball back high or in midfield.
2. Ball Progression
Carry the ball forward through dribbling or passing.
Link defense and attack smoothly.
Often one of the main engines of the team’s transitions.
3. Attacking Support
Arrive late into the box to create or finish chances.
Make forward runs to overload the opposition midfield or defense.
Assist strikers and wingers with through balls or crosses.
4. Stamina and Work Rate
Cover a lot of ground over 90 minutes.
Move continuously to support both ends of the pitch.
Maintain high intensity even late in games.
🔄 Positioning & Movement:
Typically plays slightly ahead of a holding midfielder (the 6) and behind or beside a more attacking midfielder (the 10).
Moves vertically up and down the pitch.
Helps maintain team shape in both offense and defense.
🧠 Ideal Attributes:
High stamina and fitness
Good passing range
Tactical awareness
Ball-carrying ability
Defensive intelligence
Shooting from range
🔥 Famous Examples:
Steven Gerrard
Frank Lampard
Blaise Matuidi
Jude Bellingham (modern, all-rounded example)
Arturo Vidal (during his prime) |
Well we’re a million miles away from having someone like that😏 |  |
| I never lie but I don't always tell the truth |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:26 - Sep 2 with 1458 views | Wilkinswatercarrier |
| The box-to-box 8 on 13:41 - Sep 2 by QPROslo |
When I hear about a box to box 8 I think of Gerry Francis too, before his back injury. |
Yeah, or a Simon Barker type.
For those saying Varane, not a chance as he isn't technically good enough.
Unfortunately we don't have either a really good 8 or 6 at the club yet.
Morgan might be able to do it, but does he have the stamina yet? | |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:32 - Sep 2 with 1438 views | welwynranger |
I thought Stuart Wardley did a pretty good job in that role | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:47 - Sep 2 with 1415 views | oldmeadoniansR |
| The box-to-box 8 on 23:05 - Sep 1 by DannyPaddox |
No disrespect to anyone or possibly I’m being massively disrespectful to everyone but I find this use of numbers when talking about football positions a tad dubious. Feels a bit pseudo to me like some one trying to sound like an expert after they’ve read some ‘reinventing the wheel’ internet-guff about football tactics. And some of those midfield numbers are ambiguous anyway specifically 4 and 6. Could be midfield. Could be defence. Depends on the formation. Depends on the era.
Like Hooparoo I played a lot in centre-mid too and organisation, awareness, and communication are key. I was always looking to attack but if the play has brought your midfield partner forward then you’d more than likely drop a bit or possibly stay level with him depending on what’s going on around you. So many variables happening at any time which is the beauty of the game. A wonderful description I think made by Brian Glanville of Glenn Hoddle was he had an innate sense of the ever-moving geometry of the game and that for me sums up a chief attribute of the best midfielders. Either way you had to be prepared to run box to box for 90 minutes. Oh man I’d love to be playing again. I’m gonna stop there before I go full jumpers for goalposts. Enjoy it while you can kids. |
Absolutely this. I too played centre midfield and when younger was box to box. As I got older became more intelligent and ran less. Always felt that positioning was instinctive and really enjoyed losing myself in games and just being. Good in air, good passer, loved a tackle but very slow which stopped me playing higher. When I look back on centre mids at QPR loved Wilkons Langley, Quashie, Derry. Really thought Langley had it all but career never seem to truly take off. As was said while your body let's you get out there and play at any level. You will miss it when you can't. I really do. | | | |
Login to get fewer ads
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:48 - Sep 2 with 1410 views | simmo |
Hackney / Hamer are probably the outstanding examples in this league atm, but think of Cameron Brannigan at Oxford, O'Brien at Wrexham, Tanaka, Josh Brownhill, Alan Browne, Louza, Josh Knight, Jobe Bellingham, Matt Grimes... Someone that can play in a 2 or 3 man central midfield, that can pass forward, score and assist, but also not be a defensive liability.
Morgan is probably the closest we have to a box-to-box all around CM, but hes still young and physically not quite there yet. Varane and Field are superb Championship midfielders, but their best work is without the ball - they need someone to give it to.
Currently when the GK or back 4 look up, their options are Varane, Field or Madsen. None of which are very good at receiving, turning and playing out, or breaking the lines with passes and runs, and probably won't get 10 goals and assists between them. That's what we're missing. |  |
| ask Beavis I get nothing Butthead |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:50 - Sep 2 with 1401 views | QPROslo |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:26 - Sep 2 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
Yeah, or a Simon Barker type.
For those saying Varane, not a chance as he isn't technically good enough.
Unfortunately we don't have either a really good 8 or 6 at the club yet.
Morgan might be able to do it, but does he have the stamina yet? |
To be a good 8 I think most of all Morgan needs to improve his passing accuracy. Speed around the park and stamina too, but perhaps some that will come as he gets a bit older and plays more games. I've not really rated him too much apart from some good balls into channels early on, but that was a great hit at Watford. | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 17:11 - Sep 2 with 1354 views | nick_hammersmith |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:48 - Sep 2 by simmo |
Hackney / Hamer are probably the outstanding examples in this league atm, but think of Cameron Brannigan at Oxford, O'Brien at Wrexham, Tanaka, Josh Brownhill, Alan Browne, Louza, Josh Knight, Jobe Bellingham, Matt Grimes... Someone that can play in a 2 or 3 man central midfield, that can pass forward, score and assist, but also not be a defensive liability.
Morgan is probably the closest we have to a box-to-box all around CM, but hes still young and physically not quite there yet. Varane and Field are superb Championship midfielders, but their best work is without the ball - they need someone to give it to.
Currently when the GK or back 4 look up, their options are Varane, Field or Madsen. None of which are very good at receiving, turning and playing out, or breaking the lines with passes and runs, and probably won't get 10 goals and assists between them. That's what we're missing. |
3 words
Little Tom Carroll |  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 18:53 - Sep 2 with 1209 views | rbee |
| The box-to-box 8 on 00:53 - Sep 2 by HillingdonR |
Sounds Very good rbee, but I’m totally bamboozled! |
You and me both HillingdonR, I won’t remember most of them tomorrow.
When they spout all this bollox most average football fans won’t know them all. A passing fad I hope. |  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 19:43 - Sep 2 with 1131 views | The_Beast1976 |
| The box-to-box 8 on 10:34 - Sep 2 by dutch |
Gerry Francis |
Simon Barker | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 20:50 - Sep 2 with 1039 views | Dorse |
Seeing as everyone has their own squad number now, will future generations be talking about the need for a good 29?
[Kudos to Saint Dorse for not going for the obvious 69 gag.] [Post edited 2 Sep 20:52]
|  |
| 'What do we want? We don't know! When do we want it? Now!' |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 20:53 - Sep 2 with 1024 views | Rsole |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:26 - Sep 2 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
Yeah, or a Simon Barker type.
For those saying Varane, not a chance as he isn't technically good enough.
Unfortunately we don't have either a really good 8 or 6 at the club yet.
Morgan might be able to do it, but does he have the stamina yet? |
Who’s the 7 then, Wilko ?
I’m a bit stuck understanding if we have a midfield at all sometimes. |  |
| Those possessed by devils, try and keep them under control a bit, can't you ?
|
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 21:12 - Sep 2 with 995 views | CiderwithRsie |
| The box-to-box 8 on 09:22 - Sep 2 by terryb |
I'm another one with you on this Danny.
When I read that we need a number 8 box to box midfielder, I assume that we need a reincarnation of Gerry Francis. He fits all the criteria asked for - box to box, midfielder & number 8. A future captain as well! |
Bryan Robson was another one later (not as good a passer of the ball IMO) but when you start thinking of those names you realise the fact is there are bloody few players who can do all that at any one time.
I think it's a bit like the "No 10". If you've got a Stan or an Adel, or an Ebs then: great. Chair isn't quite at that level but has still carried the team for years. But for years and years we have had squads with no-one of that quality in that position, sometimes you just have to accept that and concentrate on other styles of player. | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 21:32 - Sep 2 with 939 views | CateLeBonR |
Will Smallbone who just signed from Saints on-loan to Millwall could be a bit of a shrewd sone. Seem to remember him being decent although he doesn’t seem to have played a lot of football for a 25 year old.
I also remember being impressed with Sydie Peck when Sheffield Utd played at LR last season. Doesn’t seem to have had a great start this season though. [Post edited 2 Sep 21:52]
|  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 22:50 - Sep 2 with 842 views | WestbourneR |
Joey Barton was a very good number 8 actually
General hatred for him as a person overshadowed just how good he was. Extremely good receiving the ball under pressure and playing ball forward. Could also tackle. He dragged us up to a prem under Redknapp.
For current players - someone above mentioned Brannagan at Oxford Utd. Always really liked the look of him. |  |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 23:08 - Sep 2 with 798 views | queensparker |
Ale Faurlin. For me the perfect example
Proper tackle on him, brilliant in the air, always looking forward, some superb goals, never stopped running.
Those injuries really ended a great player [Post edited 2 Sep 23:11]
|  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 01:33 - Sep 3 with 726 views | DannyPaddox |
| The box-to-box 8 on 22:50 - Sep 2 by WestbourneR |
Joey Barton was a very good number 8 actually
General hatred for him as a person overshadowed just how good he was. Extremely good receiving the ball under pressure and playing ball forward. Could also tackle. He dragged us up to a prem under Redknapp.
For current players - someone above mentioned Brannagan at Oxford Utd. Always really liked the look of him. |
Bollox did Barton “dragged us up to a prem under Redknapp”. He pussy footed around doing the very minimal. We were at that time the most expensively assembled Championship/2nd tier team in history. We should have steamrollered that league but we didn’t. That cûnt Barton took every fking corner and set piece and hit it to the first man and did Redknobb ever pull him up on it. No. We went up that season by the very skin of our teeth not because of but inspite of nematodes like Redknapp and Barton. The only number I’d ascribe to Barton is a big shining number 2.
Signing off for now
General Hatred xxx | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 06:52 - Sep 3 with 653 views | Watford_Ranger |
| The box-to-box 8 on 23:08 - Sep 2 by queensparker |
Ale Faurlin. For me the perfect example
Proper tackle on him, brilliant in the air, always looking forward, some superb goals, never stopped running.
Those injuries really ended a great player [Post edited 2 Sep 23:11]
|
Is he not what the kids would call a six?
Hate this nonsense more than I should. Basically an old-fashioned midfielder when you couldn’t have a career being good at one part of being a midfielder. Not many about now. | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 10:18 - Sep 3 with 529 views | nick_hammersmith |
| The box-to-box 8 on 01:33 - Sep 3 by DannyPaddox |
Bollox did Barton “dragged us up to a prem under Redknapp”. He pussy footed around doing the very minimal. We were at that time the most expensively assembled Championship/2nd tier team in history. We should have steamrollered that league but we didn’t. That cûnt Barton took every fking corner and set piece and hit it to the first man and did Redknobb ever pull him up on it. No. We went up that season by the very skin of our teeth not because of but inspite of nematodes like Redknapp and Barton. The only number I’d ascribe to Barton is a big shining number 2.
Signing off for now
General Hatred xxx |
The only positive thing he did was to bring in the mentality coach after the club went on a massive slump and looked like they wouldn't even make the playoffs
-- With, as you rightly say, the most expensive squad assigned to the Champ ever.
Wasn't this the same team that caused us all the FFP problems in the first place?
Embarrassing, that team should have had over 100 points easy | | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 11:22 - Sep 3 with 453 views | CamberleyR |
| The box-to-box 8 on 10:18 - Sep 3 by nick_hammersmith |
The only positive thing he did was to bring in the mentality coach after the club went on a massive slump and looked like they wouldn't even make the playoffs
-- With, as you rightly say, the most expensive squad assigned to the Champ ever.
Wasn't this the same team that caused us all the FFP problems in the first place?
Embarrassing, that team should have had over 100 points easy |
Yep, an £80m wage bill to get us to fourth in the Championship, 80 points and just 60 goals scored and that was with Austin getting 19. 11 teams scored more than we did that season.
As you say, embarrassing for the wages laid out on that team. |  |
| |
| The box-to-box 8 on 12:03 - Sep 3 with 404 views | joe90 |
| The box-to-box 8 on 16:26 - Sep 2 by Wilkinswatercarrier |
Yeah, or a Simon Barker type.
For those saying Varane, not a chance as he isn't technically good enough.
Unfortunately we don't have either a really good 8 or 6 at the club yet.
Morgan might be able to do it, but does he have the stamina yet? |
If it's based on 'technical' ability, could apply that thinking to most of the team - but Varane is what we've got. |  | | |
| The box-to-box 8 on 12:13 - Sep 3 with 384 views | Benny_the_Ball |
| The box-to-box 8 on 10:55 - Sep 2 by ParkRoyalR |
With Hadyn & Field holding the flanks, Varane is our box to box Midfielder,
Varane is improving game by game, has immense desire, athleticism, can tackle, head, beat a man and passing has improved massively as no look pass to Dembele on Saturday showed, |
Varane isn't a natural box-to-box midfielder. Great at the defensive side of the game but he doesn't break the lines. If he can add more goals and assists to his game then he'll be a more complete central midfielder. |  | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
