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Champions LeagueOctober 15, 2026

Como, Nico Paz as a false nine is nothing new

Nico Paz should act as a false nine for FC Como in the game against Feyenoord Rotterdam. A similar concept already existed at Arsenal.

Como, Nico Paz as a false nine is nothing new

Como, Nico Paz as a false nine is nothing new

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Background

Nico Paz, only 19 years old, has already made 15 appearances for FC Como this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists. His role as a false nine could not only give him more playing time but also the opportunity to prove himself on a bigger stage such as the Champions League. The decision to play him in this position could also affect the team's dynamics and tactics against strong opponents like Feyenoord.

Why this is important

Coach Giovanni Stroppa's decision to field Nico Paz as a false nine could be crucial to the outcome of the game against Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Champions League. Paz has already established himself as a talented player this season and could outsmart opponents' defenses with his flexibility and speed. This tactical choice shows the coach's confidence in the young player and could put FC Como on the path to an important victory in the Champions League.

Key findings

  • Como, Nico Paz as a false nine is nothing new.
  • Nico Paz should act as a false nine for FC Como in the game against Feyenoord Rotterdam.
  • Como, Nico Paz is also 9 non è una novelty: the precedente di... Fabregas-Saelemaekers.
FC Como welcomes Feyenoord Rotterdam to play in the Champions League on Tuesday evening (October 31st). Coach Giovanni Stroppa has chosen an interesting line-up for this important game. The Argentinian Nico Paz, who has already caused a stir this season, will not play on the wings, but in the middle as a so-called false nine. With this decision, Stroppa will try to outwit Feyenoord's defense and create more of a goal threat. The question is whether this role comes too early for Paz, as the player is only 19 years old and has only played a few professional games. However, he already seems to be playing an important role in the team this season, which is supported by the fact that he has already made 15 competitive appearances this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists. However, Stroppa's choice to have Paz play as a false nine raises some questions. The most obvious one is why the coach hasn't fielded a real striker. This could be, for example, the experienced Giampaolo Pazzini, or the other young striker, who operates much more in the penalty area, Samuele Vignato. A possible answer to this question could be that Stroppa wants to gain a strategic advantage over Feyenoord with this decision. Perhaps he expects that Feyenoord's two centre-backs, who normally play very defensively, will be forced to retreat by Paz's action in the middle. This could create more space for Como's attacking wide players, in this case the two wingers, who would then also have to move more into the middle in order to no longer allow the Feyenoord defenders to retreat. Image This consideration would then mean that Como's offense could develop more of a goal threat with another player or even two players in addition to the striker. However, this is a very risky, almost strategic, consideration by a coach to nominate a player who doesn't have a lot of experience. It remains to be seen whether Stroppa's idea will work. And whether Paz might be used more often in this role in the future. A similar role to Paz's at FC Como last season was played by Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers, who was also moved from the wing into the middle to act as a false nine. However, this experiment was not carried out at Como, but at another club, namely the Italian first division club AC Milan. It is difficult to say whether this experiment at Milan will be seen as a success or a failure, as Saelemaekers missed almost the entire season this season due to an injury and was therefore unable to take the field. But the question remains whether his then coach, Stefano Pioli, would have wanted to stick to this concept if Saelemaekers had been available. It's definitely interesting to watch how coaches deal with young players and how much responsibility they give these players on the pitch. With Stroppa it seems that he is currently giving paz a huge amount of responsibility by giving him a very important and also very difficult position on the pitch. Whether that is wise or whether it comes a little too early remains to be seen in the future.

What happens next

If Nico Paz impresses in his new role as a false nine, it could accelerate his development as a player and help him establish himself as a key player in the team. FC Como will rely on results in the Champions League to stay in the group and potentially advance to the next round. The performance against Feyenoord could also have an impact on Stroppa's future lineup and strategy.

Frequently asked questions

What is FC Como's line-up against Feyenoord Rotterdam?

Coach Giovanni Stroppa has lined up Nico Paz as a false nine in the middle.

Why does Nico Paz play as a false nine?

With this decision, Stroppa wants to gain a strategic advantage over Feyenoord and develop more of a goal threat.

Who confirmed Nico Paz's formation as a false nine?

The decision was made by coach Giovanni Stroppa.

What are they? Nico Paz's previous performances this season?

Nico Paz has already made 15 appearances, 3 goals and 4 assists this season.

What concerns are there about the role of Nico Paz?

It is being discussed whether the role as false nine comes too early for the 19-year-old player.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What is FC Como's line-up against Feyenoord Rotterdam?
Coach Giovanni Stroppa has lined up Nico Paz as a false nine in the middle.
Why does Nico Paz play as a false nine?
With this decision, Stroppa wants to gain a strategic advantage over Feyenoord and develop more of a goal threat.
Who confirmed Nico Paz's lineup as a false nine?
The decision was made by coach Giovanni Stroppa.
What are Nico Paz's performances so far this season?
Nico Paz has already made 15 appearances, 3 goals and 4 assists this season.
What concerns are there about Nico Paz's role?
It is being discussed whether the role as a false nine comes too early for the 19-year-old player.
What happened in this story?
Como, Nico Paz as a false nine is not a novelty summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.