I still maintain my recent journey on talking a bit on tactics.
It is no more news that this is the era of a new brand of football we call, modern football.
One of the key characteristics of this modern way is the departure from using the traditional 10. The erstwhile 4-4-2 system has largely given way to the 4-3-3 formation which is the staple of the modern game.
With this formation, we now have in the midfield, two number 8's in more advanced areas of the pitch than where the number 10 used to function. Some teams also go further to give one of the 8's a free role.
So what we now have with this 4-3-3 is having two playmakers, instead of one(the traditional number 10),in advanced positions on the field. They both operate in half-spaces on the left and right, to create opportunities for the forward line. Their job script differs from a nominal 8 that is expected to arrive late in the penalty area or be the workhorse in midfield.. By using Free 8s, teams can create a more fluid and dynamic attacking style, with players interchanging positions and taking up different roles depending on the situation.
This can make it harder for opposing teams to defend against them, as they(the opposition defenders) are never quite sure who will be playing where and who will be making the decisive runs or passes.