10 is the magic number
Never in sport has a number gained such a cult following: a symbol of creativity and invention, of imagination and entertainment, of artistry and magic. The fantasisti (natural born playmakers) stood against the pragmatism of hard-line tactics and overbearing athleticism which became prevalent in the game. Think Baggio, Maradona, Zico, Okocha, Hagi, Totti, Ronaldinho, Riquelme… you get the gist.
Since the latter part of last century, tactics, along with the growing distrust of managers who saw this type of player as a mere luxury, have forced today’s fantasista to adapt; taking on new positions and responsibilities. The true Number 10s of old have all but vanished from today’s game, and as Jonathan Wilson once described in a piece for 4-4-2 magazine, it’s become ‘…increasingly harder for a classical playmaker to find a role,’ and ‘the players who would have been playmakers had to find new roles’.
That’s not to say they do not entirely exist however, albeit in another form.
So what makes a classic fantasista?
Is it all in the number? As stated, ’10’ is the magic number. The shirt is a symbol. However, with the introduction of squad numbers it was quite possible for the team’s fantasista to adorn another number. Zinedine Zidane is case in point. At Juventus he wore 21, whilst at Real Madrid his number was 5. However, internationally for France there was only one choice at No.10. So in essence, the classic fantasista embodies the symbol of the Number 10 shirt.
What else? Well, the fantasista was usually an icon; sometimes even portrayed as a glamour figure. A unique character adored by their fans and a symbol of all things expressive – the creative genius. They were often seen as exotic and precocious, rare and precious. If they failed to function, their team often suffered – they were the conductors of the team. At the height of their power no other player could come close to their natural talent on the football pitch.
Position and attributes
The fantasista was usually deployed just behind the striker/s in a role that was given free rein, but more often than not adopting central positions. Slight adjustments on the role varied and tended to fall into two categories: 1. the more of a forward than a midfielder, or 2. more midfielder than forward. However what always remained constant was the skillset, and a lack of defensive duties.
Weapons of choice were usually unrivalled technique, sublime close control and dribbling skills. Seemingly supernatural vision and a supreme sense of awareness and ability to inspire. Charged with both scoring and creating goals, they were often deadly from set-pieces, with spectacular free-kicks a particular common repertoire. As very cool finishers the fantasista were often amongst the highest scorers of their team…and usually provided more assists than they scored.
These mystical players went by many names throughout various countries: the playmaker, trequartista, enganche, ponta da lanca, in the hole, or simply ‘the No.10’. One thing is universal however, without them, football would be nowhere near as spectacular.
Fantasisti, we salute you!