A floating or false 9 is a centre forward who leaves his position in the centre of attack and moves deeper to link with the midfield.
When the false 9 moves deep (towards his own goal), the defenders are unsure whether to go and mark him. This creates confusion in defence.
Spain used a false 9 in Euro 2012 with coach Vincente Del Bosque using Cesc Fabregas in this position and therefore playing without a recognised centre forward.
The floating or false 9 causes confusion among defenders by dropping back into midfield from the traditional centre forward position
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