The development of the false nine as Chelsea field Schurrle in the role to emulate Messi and Liverpool ace

Midfielders

The false nine took a whole new step in the 2010 World Cup when Spain – full to the brim with Barca players and their style of play under Guardiola – chose to play Cesc Fabregas in the position.

With the Gunners and generally with the Catalans, Fabregas was a central midfielder or a No.10 at best and yet the Spaniard was fielded as a false nine.

Without trying to confuse things too much and become too pretentious, this was more of a false 10 ideology and something which Guardiola (who else) is now utilising with Bayern in the shape of Mario Goetze.