Taylor’s ‘false nine’ role is vital for Grimsby
FORWARD IDEAL FOIL FOR MCATEE
RYAN Taylor’s contract renewal with Grimsby Town was confirmed on Friday afternoon after playing an influential but potentially understated role in the club’s promotion last season. If not as the primary goalscorer, Town fans have often debated what Taylor’s role is in the team playing as the centre-forward.
Taylor could be hallmarked with playing the false-nine role, a modern take on the deep-lying forward role.
A false nine is a centre-forward who repeatedly moves towards the ball in deeper positions from a high starting position, often dropping to receive centrally.
The 34-year-old often did this last season to hold up the ball and bring others into play.
The main intention is to get on the ball away from the opposition centre-backs - and, in doing so, to draw players out of position and disrupt the defence, creating gaps for other attackers to exploit. John McAtee capitalised on these situations, often using his pace and intelligent running to get in behind and score goals.
‘False nine’ is a term that has only been used in more modern times.
The idea is that the striker might have a number nine on their back but move into ‘false’ positions - areas in which you would not usually find a number nine.
If the full-back narrows as the centreback presses, space appears to attack around the narrowed back line.
The space created on the wings from the full-backs tucking in benefits the overlapping wing-backs, especially Michee Efete and Daniel Amos.
They often like to get into forward positions, creating an overload in wide areas.
If no defender presses, the centreforward can receive and turn freely between the lines.
If a central midfielder drops to screen the false nine, a central midfield team-mate, which was often Gavan Holohan when he joined late in the season, can then progress into the space they have left and pick a pass from there or progress into a shooting position.
With all these factors considered, you can see why Paul Hurst depended on Taylor to head up the attack and how his influence stretches beyond coming up with the goals.
Surrounded by players that can get into the goalscoring positions frequently and have finishing ability, the 34-year-old flourishes.
McAtee, who benefitted greatly from his partnership with Taylor, fast-tracked his development, learning from the experienced campaigner who rarely failed to pick out McAtee when he got into good positions.