Grêmio midfielder Zé Roberto believes that the role of the traditional playmaker, an old-fashioned number 10, is endangered in world football.
In an interview with Lancenet!, Zé Roberto, 39, gave his views on how football has changed over the span of his career.
He said: “I think today the number 10 is only a virtual thing and put practically does not exist today.
“I would say in world football that the most beautiful and valued football today is from the Spanish, they have the world and European title, and that Spain and Barcelona play without one.
“If we look at these two teams, Barcelona has the number 10, which is Messi, but he is not a typical 10.
“Today, in modern football, I think the typical 10 is the second midfielder. Many teams, especially in Europe, playing with two players in midfield more often.
“And that second wheel would be the number 10, which leaves more for the game. I think the number 10 is endangered.”
The former Bayern Munich midfielder also spoke about how players in Brazil today don’t look after themselves as they should and believes himself and Clarence Seedorf are helping to show that older players still have a place in the game.
“Absolutely yes to help overcome this prejudice that, in my view, still exists. Our return to Brazil helped a lot.
“It still exists because, unfortunately, there are still many players in Brazil who are players and not athletes. They take the field to play, but do not care for the physical part, which is their working tool.
“Many, unfortunately, do not have that thought. And by not having that thought, arriving at 29, 30 years they are dragging on the ground. This creates a bias. We can include Marcos Assunção, Cris and Dida in this account as well.”
Source: Lancenet!
