Forum | The box-to-box 8 by cpgerber

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The box-to-box 8 21:36 - Sep 1 with 7975 views

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 12:25 - Sep 3 with 992 views

flynnbo

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.

And tried his best to get us relegated on the last day of the season when he stupidly got himself sent off-again.

The box-to-box 8 on 12:44 - Sep 3 with 950 views

loftupper

The box-to-box 8 on 12:25 - Sep 3 by flynnbo
And tried his best to get us relegated on the last day of the season when he stupidly got himself sent off-again.

"He dragged us up to a prem under Redknapp."

Not really how I remember it, but we all have opinions.

I always felt that side tried its hardest not to get promoted despite it having the highest wage bill the Championship had ever seen up to that point. Almost succeeded, as well.

The box-to-box 8 on 12:52 - Sep 3 with 925 views

Pindarus

We need a sweeper. Do they still have them?
If he can also do the box to box bit so much the better.

The box-to-box 8 on 21:06 - Sep 3 with 736 views

queensparker

To be fair Mbengue is looking pretty handy at storming forward to the oppo box

The box-to-box 8 on 23:07 - Sep 3 with 627 views

connell10

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.

Oh I dunno I love a false 9 mate

	AND WHEN I DREAM , I DREAM ABOUT YOU AND WHEN I SCREAM I SCREAM ABOUT YOU!!!!!
Poll:	best number 10 ever?

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