# false number 9

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. An unconventional lone striker or centre-forward who drops deep into midfield.

## Etymology
From the traditional use of the number 9 for centre-forwards, and the difference from a traditional centre-forward, who would stay near the line of defenders until an opportunity arose to move past them toward goal.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/false-number-9