The Rise of the '8.5' Role in Premier League Title Contention

Introduction

This season's battle for the Premier League title is shaping up to be a three-horse race between Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal. What's interesting is that all three teams have relied on a player who has fulfilled a unique role this season - the '8.5'. This term refers to players who are positioned between a traditional midfielder (No. 8) and a striker (No. 9). In this article, we will explore how Julian Alvarez, Cody Gakpo, and Kai Havertz have excelled in this role for their respective teams.

The Versatility of Gakpo

Cody Gakpo of Liverpool has been a standout performer in the '8.5' role. He has seamlessly transitioned between playing as an out-and-out centre-forward and tucking into a midfield trio in a 4-3-3 formation. Gakpo's versatility is evident in his playing time distribution, with approximately one-third of his minutes spent in midfield, one-third out wide, and one-third as Liverpool's primary striker.

Havertz's Intriguing Adaptation

Kai Havertz has been an intriguing addition to Arsenal's midfield. He has primarily played in the same '8.5' role as Gakpo, occupying a left-centre midfield position. Havertz's height and physicality make him a valuable target man when needed, providing Arsenal with a different attacking option. While he is still adjusting to his role, Havertz has shown promise and contributed to crucial goals for his team.

Alvarez's Transition from No. 9 to No. 8

Julian Alvarez, who won the World Cup as a No. 9, has seamlessly adapted to the '8.5' role for Manchester City. Although he has primarily played as a No. 10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation, injuries to key players have allowed Alvarez to showcase his versatility. He has split his playing time equally between playing up front and in a central midfield role.

The Changing Role of No. 8 and No. 9

The emergence of the '8.5' role reflects the changing dynamics of modern football. The traditional roles of a No. 8 and No. 9 are no longer as distinct as they once were. Players in these positions are now expected to contribute to pressing, link play, and score goals. The shift towards a five-man attack in possession has brought these players closer together on the pitch.

The Absence of the No. 10 Role

Another factor contributing to the rise of the '8.5' is the absence of the traditional No. 10 role in top teams. With most title contenders favoring a 4-3-3 formation, there is no designated player in the No. 10 or withdrawn striker position. This has led players like Havertz, Gakpo, and Alvarez to adapt and excel in the '8.5' role.

Conclusion

The rise of the '8.5' in Premier League title contention highlights the versatility and adaptability of modern footballers. Players like Gakpo, Havertz, and Alvarez have seamlessly transitioned between midfield and attacking roles, providing their teams with a unique tactical advantage. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these players continue to thrive in their '8.5' roles and contribute to their team's success.