I get what you're saying via Pedro but he'd suit a different sort of role up top, the false 9 is essentially a playmaker and that's not his game.

Pedro's a weird player in some ways. If he was just a touch quicker he could be a typical poacher, if he was a touch stronger he could be more of a link player. Props to Guardiola for identifying his main talent at Barca (his off the ball movement) and working out a position for him on the wing with it.

comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 4 hours ago
He's best at collecting the ball from deep, skipping past players and starting attacks whilst occasionally also finishing them.
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That's literally the definition of a false 9
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I wouldn’t expect to see him collecting the ball from deep playing in such an advanced role and if he does we’ll be short in numbers in attack.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I wouldn’t expect to see him collecting the ball from deep playing in such an advanced role and if he does we’ll be short in numbers in attack.
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How deep a false 9 drops depends on the player and the rest of the tactical framework, they can drop as deep as the half way line in certain setups.

Irritating misconception about the false 9 is the idea that it lacks attacking intent, it lacks a focal point of attack but that's not the same as lacking numbers. If executed correctly you're attacking with 4 or 5 around the false 9 discounting WB's, just relies on a pass and move style to work, which is why people who claim Hazard can't play it based off a few games for Conte need to reevaluate their opinion (it's the one 'Conte's negativity shackled Hazard' argument I actually agree with).

It may work better under Sarri's system but I think we'll need better players in midfield/attack who can get into the box and score goals when Hazard drifts into midfield or out wide to collect the ball.

comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 6 minutes ago
I wouldn’t expect to see him collecting the ball from deep playing in such an advanced role and if he does we’ll be short in numbers in attack.
-----------------------------------------------------------
How deep a false 9 drops depends on the player and the rest of the tactical framework, they can drop as deep as the half way line in certain setups.

Irritating misconception about the false 9 is the idea that it lacks attacking intent, it lacks a focal point of attack but that's not the same as lacking numbers. If executed correctly you're attacking with 4 or 5 around the false 9 discounting WB's, just relies on a pass and move style to work, which is why people who claim Hazard can't play it based off a few games for Conte need to reevaluate their opinion (it's the one 'Conte's negativity shackled Hazard' argument I actually agree with).
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Playing him as a false 9 under Mourinho was a disaster as well.

I have no recollection of Hazard playing false 9 for Mourinho. Not one.

comment by The Devil's Advocate's Advocate - I Represent Him (U6522)
posted 5 minutes ago
I have no recollection of Hazard playing false 9 for Mourinho. Not one.
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My mistake. I was thinking about that game at Old Trafford but just realised it was Schurrle!