The Legacy And Impact Of The Number 11 In Soccer
What is the number 11 in soccer? Jersey squad numbers are a very special part of the beautiful game that were first introduced in the Early 1900’s.
Back in the day it became normal to assign a number to a specific position on the soccer team, starting with the goalkeeper as number 1 and the left winger as number 11.
Today fans and players still associate numbers with positions although the players no longer have to be matching jersey numbers and positions. Out of all the jersey numbers, one of the most iconic ones is the number 11 which is for either of the wingers, but used to be mainly for the left winger.
The number does not affect the performance, like the starting positions in horse tournaments by TwinSpires. However, it’s not only a superstition, since the number 11 has an enormous legacy in soccer history.
Few shirt numbers have been as prominent throughout history as the number eleven, with speedy wingers and goalscoring heroes all donning the legendary jersey. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the number 11 in soccer.
What is the Number 11 in Soccer?
The term ‘number eleven’ traces back to the system where each of the eleven starting players were given a number according to their position on the field. Over time, these numbers began to carry more weight and became representations for various styles of play and traits.
The number 11 is usually referring to a winger player, although nowadays the player in that position does not have to be wearing number eleven, and vice versa, the number 11 does not have to be playing that position.
Responsibilities and Key Traits of the Number 11
Traditionally, the number 11 jersey is associated with wingers and the role of the number 11 has evolved over time, but the primary responsibilities remain rooted in providing width, delivering crosses, and contributing to both the team’s attack and defence.
Here are some of the most important traits and responsibilities for the number 11.
- Pace and Agility:
- The number 11 is often one of the fastest players on the field, capable of outpacing defenders to get into dangerous attacking positions.
- Dribbling Skills:
- In order to take on their defenders, the number 11 must not only be fast, but they must also be skillful and great dribblers.
- Crossing Ability:
- One of the primary roles of a traditional number 11 is to deliver precise crosses into the box.
- Creativity and Playmaking:
- Modern number 11s are often tasked with more than just running down the flank. They are creative playmakers who cut inside and link up with forwards, setting up key passes, and even scoring goals themselves.
- Goal-Scoring Threat:
- While the primary role of a number 11 is to assist and create opportunities for others, they also need to be a direct goal-scoring threat.
- Defensive Duties:
- In the modern game, a number 11 isn’t just an attacking outlet. Wingers today are expected to track back and help out defensively.
- Versatility:
- While the number 11 traditionally refers to the left-winger, many players wearing this number today are versatile, capable of switching wings or playing more centrally if needed. This flexibility makes them even more valuable to their teams, as they can adapt to various tactical systems.
Iconic Number 11s in Soccer
Ryan Giggs
One of the most famous number elevens in modern history comes in the form of Manchester United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs. Giggs spent the entirety of his career at Old Trafford, and he retired from the sport in 2014 as one of the most decorated players in the history of soccer.
His longevity at the top of English soccer made him standout from the crowd, as he is one of just 44 players to have played over 1,000 professional matches. Giggs made his breakthrough at United in 1991, before playing 963 times for the Red Devils.
On his record-breaking appearance for United, Giggs scored in a penalty shootout success against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final, winning the European honour for the second time. The Welshman also holds the record for the most Premier League titles, winning the English top-flight crown on 13 occasions.
Rivaldo
Brazilian superstar Rivaldo also donned the iconic number eleven shirt during his career. The star typically played as an attacking midfielder, but he was also deployed as a second striker and a winger. Rivaldo is widely regarded as one of the greatest creative players to have played soccer, and he was revered for his abilities to produce bending free kicks and bicycle kicks.
His career high point came in 1999 when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, and he was named in the FIFA 100 by Pele in recognition for his career on the field. Such was his significance in the game, the Brazilian is one of just nine players in history to have won the Ballon d’Or, FIFA World Cup, and Champions League.
During his career, he represented some of the biggest clubs in world soccer, including Barcelona and AC Milan, winning top flight titles in Spain, Greece, and Brazil,
Didier Drogba
Number eleven shirts have been typically worn by wide players, but one of the few exceptions comes in the form of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. The central striker is one of the most important players in the history of the Premier League club, and contributed his part to Chelsea’s most successful period in their history.
Drogba is widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all-time, and he holds the record for the most goals scored for Chelsea by a foreign player. Such was his love affair with the fan base in London, the Ivorian was voted as the club’s greatest ever player in 2012. He was named as the African Footballer of the Year on two occasions, and represented the Ivory Coast on 105 occasions. Drogba’s best years would come during an eight-year stay with Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, before returning to the club for one season in 2014.
He was a big-game player for the Blues, scoring ten goals in ten finals for the club. His defining moment would come in the Champions League final in 2012, netting the equaliser against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena, before scoring the decisive penalty in the shootout. He retired from the game in 2018 after four Premier League titles, as well as domestic crowns in Turkey and Australia.
Mohamed Salah
The most famous number eleven in the world at present is another African legend- Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players on the planet, and he has formed an integral part of the success that has been achieved by Liverpool in recent seasons.
Salah’s revered for his speed and finishing, and he is the highest-scoring player in the Premier League for the Reds. The winger made his breakthrough in Switzerland, before joining Chelsea in 2014. However, a failed first spell in England would see the forward sold to Roma, before returning for a second spell in the Premier League with Liverpool in 2017. Salah formed an immediate bond with fellow forward Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, guiding the team to the 2018 Champions League final.
Salah would continue to be a dominant force in the Liverpool side, winning the Champions League and Premier League titles in the following two seasons. His performances of the field have seen him honoured on countless occasions, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award on two occasions and the Premier League Golden Boot three times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which squad numbers are associated with certain player positions?
One of the parts that makes soccer, or the beautiful game, so special is the fact that certain traditions have been passed down for generations, such as associating certain squad numbers with player positions.
Back in the day the first choice goalkeeper would wear the number 1 and the defenders, usually four defenders, would wear 1-5. The midfielders would get number 6-8 and the forwards would wear 9-11. Depending on the formation of the team the numbers would differ but these are the general unwritten rules.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews, watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
Conclusion
The number 11 jersey has become a symbol of creativity, speed, and attacking flair in soccer, evolving from its traditional role as the left winger’s number to a versatile position that influences the game in numerous ways.
This popular jersey number has been worn by some iconic players of the game such as Ryan Giggs, Rivaldo, Didier Drogba, and Mohamed Salah. As soccer continues to evolve, the number 11 remains a lasting representation of skill and innovation, inspiring both players and fans around the world.
