Position[edit]
Tactically, Pirlo is capable of playing in several midfield positions, but is usually deployed by his club and national sides as a central midfielder, in the role of a
deep-lying playmaker, due to his vision and passing accuracy. A highly technical and creative player, Pirlo is regarded by players, managers, and pundits as one of the greatest ever players in his position,
[6][8] as one of the best midfielders in the world and of his generation,
[216][217] and as one of the greatest Italian players of all time.
[214] He started his career in a more advanced role, as an
offensive midfielder, and also played as a
supporting striker on occasion.
[218] Although he was considered a talented young prospect, even drawing comparisons with former Italian footballer
Gianni Rivera,
[219] Pirlo occasionally struggled in this role, due to his lack of pace, and competition from other talented and more dynamic players in his position.
[8][26][220]
Because of this, he was later moved to a
deep-lying playmaker role by his coaches
Mazzone,
Fatih Terim, and
Ancelotti, where he was able to excel due to his unique capabilities.
[8][26][221] This position best utilises Pirlo's attributes, and allows him to operate creatively
from a deeper position, in or even behind the main midfield line, in a seemingly
defensive midfield role, where he is allowed more time on the ball to create scoring opportunities with long balls.
[8][26][222][223] During his final season with Milan, Pirlo was also used on the
wing under
Allegri,
[224] due to his ability to provide accurate
crosses.
[225]