The Key to Being a Great Number 10: Finding Space
Finding space is one of the most important skills a number 10 can have, and at UK Football Trials, we see that players who master this ability stand out in games. The best attacking midfielders, such as Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, have perfected the art of movement, constantly shifting positions to create openings between defensive lines. There is a well-known story about Pep Guardiola calling Messi to his house late at night to show him a paused screen of Real Madrid’s 4-4-2 formation, pointing at a 20-yard gap and telling him, “Here, Lio. This is where I want you to play.” Whether true or not, it highlights the intelligence required to operate as a number 10. A great playmaker doesn’t just wait for space to appear—they create it through constant movement and awareness.
Finding space starts with always scanning the pitch. The best midfielders check their surroundings before receiving the ball, allowing them to anticipate movement and make better decisions. A number 10 should always be looking for gaps between midfield and defence, positioning themselves where they can receive the ball and turn. Movement off the ball is just as important as what a player does in possession. A key mistake young midfielders make is playing a great pass and then standing still. Instead, they should immediately move into another space, making themselves available again. This simple habit is what allows top players to dictate play rather than being marked out of the game.
One of the best ways to create space is through body movement and disguise. The top playmakers use small feints, quick turns, and changes of pace to lose defenders. Sometimes, simply dropping a shoulder or shaping to move one way before darting another can give a player that split-second advantage. The Barcelona midfield of the Guardiola era was famous for this, with Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi all capable of playing like a number 10. Their quick one-touch passing and movement off the ball allowed them to find space where there seemingly was none. This approach influenced modern football, and today, even Premier League midfielders have improved their close control and positional intelligence due to that style of play.
The challenge for any young player looking to play as a number 10 is to constantly find space in the final third. The best playmakers don’t just rely on instinct—they work on scanning, positioning, and movement every day. At UK Football Trials, scout reports on midfielders from our five-day residential camps often include comments like, “Don’t deliver a great pass and then watch the play—move into space to receive the ball again.” This is a simple principle, but executing it consistently takes intelligence, awareness, and technical skill. A great number 10 must always be involved in the game, constantly looking for openings, and always ready to receive the ball. When done correctly, it leads to those game-changing moments—a killer pass that splits the lines and opens up a chance on goal.