The Evolution of the Number 10 in USA Soccer: A Look at the Changing Role of the Playmaker

The number 10 position in soccer is often referred to as the "playmaker" or the "regista," a term that originated in Italian football to describe the player who dictates the tempo of the game and creates scoring opportunities for their teammates. In the context of USA soccer, this position has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the growth and development of the sport in the country. From the days of Claudio Reyna to the current crop of skilled midfielders, the number 10 has become a vital cog in the US national team's machine.

The number 10 role has always been about control and vision, said former US international and current MLS coach Bruce Arena. "A good number 10 needs to be able to see the game, understand the spaces on the field, and dictate the pace of play," Arena continued. "They need to be able to create for others, while also taking care of themselves."

Despite the importance of the position, the number 10 role has evolved significantly over the years. In the early days of USA soccer, the position was often filled by players with a more traditional "number 10" mentality, such as Claudio Reyna and Tab Ramos. These players were skilled distributors who used their passing ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for their teammates.

The Early Days of USA Soccer: Reyna and Ramos

One of the most iconic number 10s in USA soccer history is Claudio Reyna. A midfielder with a vision and passing range that rivalled many of his European counterparts, Reyna was a key player for the US national team in the 1990s and early 2000s. His ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates earned him a reputation as one of the best number 10s in the world.

Another player who embodied the traditional number 10 mentality was Tab Ramos. A skilled playmaker with a keen eye for space and a precise passing range, Ramos was a key player for the US national team in the 1990s. He was known for his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and his vision and passing range were arguably the best in the country at the time.

Adapting to a Changing Game

However, as the game changed and became more intense and fast-paced, the number 10 role began to evolve. The dawn of the club-and-county era in the US, which saw a proliferation of professional leagues and teams, brought a new wave of technical players to the country. Gone were the days of the traditional "number 10" mentality, said current US international and FC Dallas midfielder Kellyn Acosta.

"I think the game has changed a lot since Claudio Reyna and Tab Ramos played," Acosta said. "The number 10 role has become more dynamic and flexible. You need to be able to score goals, create scoring opportunities for others, and also defend and win the ball back. It's a very different role than it was 10-15 years ago."

One of the key factors in the evolution of the number 10 role has been the growth of technical players. Players like Michael Bradley, Christian Pulisic, and Weston McKennie have brought a new level of technical ability to the position. They are skilled players who can control the tempo of the game, create scoring opportunities for their teammates, and also score goals themselves.

The Modern Number 10: A Hybrid Player

So, what does the modern number 10 look like in USA soccer? According to Arena, the ideal number 10 is a hybrid player who combines the traditional skills of the position with the athleticism and physicality of a modern midfielder.

"A good number 10 needs to be able to do everything," Arena said. "They need to be able to control the tempo of the game, create scoring opportunities for their teammates, and also defend and win the ball back. They need to be a complete player, not just a skilled passer or a clinical finisher."

Players like Pulisic, Bradley, and McKennie have embodied this modern number 10 mentality. They are skilled players who can control the tempo of the game, create scoring opportunities for their teammates, and also score goals themselves. They are dynamic, flexible, and adaptable players who can thrive in a variety of formations and systems.

The Future of the Number 10 in USA Soccer

As the sport continues to grow and evolve in the country, the number 10 role is likely to continue to change. With the emergence of new talent and the growth of youth development programs, the country is likely to see a new wave of skilled numbers 10s who can compete with the best in the world.

According to Arena, the key to success for the future of the number 10 role in USA soccer lies in the development of youth players. "We need to be developing these players from a young age, teaching them the skills and tactics they need to succeed at the highest level," Arena said.

Conclusion

The number 10 position in USA soccer has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting the growth and development of the sport in the country. From the days of Claudio Reyna to the current crop of skilled midfielders, the position has become a vital cog in the US national team's machine.

As the sport continues to grow and evolve, the number 10 role is likely to continue to change. However, with the emergence of new talent and the growth of youth development programs, the country is likely to see a new wave of skilled numbers 10s who can compete with the best in the world.