Historicals

It seems that after something has been around for quite some time, it starts to gain value and meaning. Just take a look at all those useless junk found by archeologists. You've got things like prehistoric crap, historic crap, and prehistoric-but-a-bit-recent crap.

One of those things are the numbers on the backs of football players. Back then, players were not assigned kit numbers, and they get their kits just before kick-off. So, they just wear their kits, irregardless of the number on the back, and so, names were also not printed on those kits.

The teams would line-up from number 1-11. Perhaps 12 and above would be for the substitutes, and since there used to be only 5 substitutes, so 12-16 were for the benchwarmers.

However, certain players, usually the 'star-players' of each team would get first pick as to which number he would want. Overtime, these numbers have grown in meaning and character.

1 - Usually taken by the goalkeeper. He represents the final stronghold in the team's defence. If he is breached, that's it, your team is going behind. 1 is a lonely number, which results in some goalkeepers losing concentration, thus that's how blunders are made. However, they can also be quietly the most crucial person in a team.

2 - Usually for the right fullback. Usually the one who can play across the back four. Probably would not be the one who would go forward and attack. Of course, there would be exceptions. Number 2s are very direct, and no-nonsense, and are good at a variety of things.

3 - Leftback. Traditionally the one who is able to play along the entire left wing. He frequently goes forward to try and puncture the opposition defence with crosses and runs. Usually extremely one-footed, with the right foot being utilised much less as it is not as effective as the left one. This number symbolises someone who is extremely good at something, but extremely weak at another. He puts his all in what he is good at, thus neglecting his weaknesses, although someones to the point where his strengths are just too good for others.

4 - Defensive midfielder. The one who goes around chasing the ball everywhere it goes, breaking up opposing plays, and well, destroying the opponent's midfield as well as connecting defence to midfield. This number is for someone who is hardworking, and who doesn't mind doing the dirty work. He gives his all for his cause, and is also the link between two differing parties.

5 - The sweeper, the one who plays behind the centerhalf. Usually has a bit of pace, and can get the ball out of dangerous areas, no matter the situation. The number, someone who is street-smart and confident...sometimes to the point of cockiness. May take a path less travelled.

6 - The centerhalf. Hard and unpenetratable centerhalfs are a striker's worst nightmare. They are also very no-nonsense, as well as safe and secure. The number is for someone you can depend on and trust that he will get the job done.

From number 7 onwards, it gets really complicated.

7 - The winger/striker. The one with the dazzling dribbling skills and pace. The flair of the team, the icing on the cake. Some are cocky, some are humble. Some play dirty, some play clean. Some show passion, some show cheekiness. This number can be used for a diverse number of people, but these people must be highly skilled. Probably for boy-prodigies.

8 - The attacking midfielder/winger/striker. The team-player, the one with the good passing, the one who can bring his teammates into the game, and take opponents out at the same time. The understudy to the number 10. The number 8: uses his creativity for his cause, and sees things how others don't. He can use a direct solution to solve an indirect problem with just one defence-splitting pass.

9 - The centerforward. The big, tall and strong centerforward who plays and stays up front. Usually has good ball control, good heading and finishing. Some are better at creating chances though. Uses his strength to hold defenders off while he controls or shoots the ball. Usually very good at shielding. The ideal number 9: a strong and big person who is cool, calm and composed. Someone who uses his strength only when needed, and fights for what is rightfully his.

10 - The attacking midfielder/striker/winger. Another number with a very diverse character. He plays with his heart, with his brains, and with his very talented feet. Some are the ones with the tricks, some are the ones with the shooting, some are the ones with the passing, but no matter what, they excel in whichever they are best at. Number 10s tend have a righteous character and show their burning passion in whatever they do.

11 - The striker/winger. The other one with the dazzling dribbling skills, although may resort to close-control of the ball rather than pace. The one with the good crosses, who always finds his teammate in the box if he's the winger, or the striker who plays behind the centerforward, and creates chances with clever passes and runs. Number 11s are the ones who only do things well if the solution is direct. This being said, they are simple people, who do an effective job when presented with the opportunity.

Well, all these theories could either be spot on or way off, depending on which players you think of.

Advice of the day: Maybe if you decide which number you are, you would then know where your true strength on the pitch is.