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The creative midfielder who runs the game, creates chances, and controls tempo. Classic number 10s like Maradona and Zidane played between midfield and attack. Deep-lying playmakers like Pirlo and Xavi do similar things from further back. Pure playmakers are rarer now because teams spread creative duties around instead of relying on one player. But the role still gets romanticized as football at its most artistic.
Zinedine Zidane's performance in the 2006 World Cup at age 34 showcased pure playmaking artistry - he controlled matches with elegant touches, defense-splitting passes, and technical brilliance, dragging France to the final almost single-handedly.
Robbie
Jan 19, 2026
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