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What is a Raumdeuter in football? The role and significance of the position explained
Ciku Njuguna
updated at February 13, 2024 at 8:24 AM
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Space invaders are not limited to Star Wars and video games. Football heavyweight Thomas Müller is in a class of his own with his role as a space invader. Dig in here for details of Raumdeuter, a Bundesliga soccer phenomenon.
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Who invented Raumdeuter? By his own account, Thomas Müller is not the best dribbler, shot taker or the fastest player in the Bundesliga. However, his super ability to spy openings in the defence makes him one of the top performers in the Bundesliga. This article dives into the details of the Raumdeuter role and its significance in the sport.
Who created Raumdeuter?
Thomas Müller is the number 25-second striker for Bayern Munich. In July 2000, he made his debut for the FC Bayern München Youth, climbing the team's ranks to the senior team over the years. Over the period, he has made 778 appearances for the team, scoring 279 goals with 269 assists.
Known as the goal poacher, Muller became famous for his self-proclaimed identity as a footballer, 'Ich bin ein Raumdeuter'.
Source: Getty Images
Being one of the most experienced football players in the game, he occupies an unorthodox position. In an interview with the Bundesliga, Thomas Müller introduced the concept of Raumdeuter, saying,
“I do not enjoy being classed as a striker. I do not see myself as one. I like to be active in the space behind the opposition’s midfield. That is where I can hurt the opponent most of all. I am a mix between a striker and a midfielder. I am a Raumdeuter. It is about instinct.”
When he asked about which players he could compare himself with, he told Süddeutsche Zeitung,
“Perhaps I am unique. There are dribblers and strikers who are kind of similar, but what am I? A Raumdeuter? Yes."
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What is the meaning of Raumdeuter?
According to the Bundesliga, the term was used by Bayern Munich's second striker, Thomas Müller, to define his style of play. The team translates to space invader, space interpreter or space instigator.
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What is the Raumdeuter position in soccer?
By definition, Raumdeuter refers to a position in football. Given its use in finding and exploiting spaces in the opposition's defence, it is most likely occupied by strikers, attacking midfielders or forwards.
What does a Raumdeuter do?
Defining what a Raumdeuter is presents a challenge for football experts and everyday fans. However, soccer players such as Thomas Müller perform this role by spying out holes or spaces in the defence, particularly in the opponent's penalty box, where he receives the ball ready to score or create an assist.
Rather than being restricted to one place on the field, players in this position have freedom of movement on the soccer field. The seemingly defenceless players freely move into open channels and get into the opposition's side as close as their 18-yard box.
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What are the best traits for Raumdeuter?
According to Football Manager 23, these players use creativity to move forward into the opposition's den. Space interpreters use their field spatial awareness to beat their opponents and score points.
Expert space invaders such as Müller have honed various skills, such as the ability to anticipate and move into open channels. In addition to acceleration and stamina, these players require a mastery of first touch, crossing, dribbling, and finishing skills.
Why is there no room for Raumdeuter in the Premier League?
The Raumdeuter role is not classified among the traditional or official football positions. Space interpreters like Bruno Fernandes evolved into False 9 strikers or Shadow Strikers in the Premier League. With the risk of injury, the physical needs of the role wear out space invaders, such as in the case of Dele Alli.
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Who is the best Raumdeuter in football?
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Is Müller the only Raumdeuter? Several other players have stood out for their skills, such as German attacking midfielder Kai Havertz and the Ghost of the Penalty Box Gerd Müller. Here is a list of footballers with the best Raumdeuter play records.
José Callejón
According to Dictate the Game, Spanish footballer José Callejón is one of the best Raumdeuter players. The number 9 right winger at Granada CF is the 2013/14 top goalscorer.
- Full name: José María Callejón Bueno
- Date of birth: 11 February 1987
- Age: 37 years old as of February 2023
- Place of birth: Motril, Spain
- Current club: Granada CF, Spanish national football team
Source: Getty Images
Thomas Müller
Is Thomas Müller's position a Raumdeuter? By his own admission, Thomas Müller's standing as a space invader can not be defined by classic football positions. In addition to determining the post, top scorers such as Robert Lewandowski have benefited from the space invader's assists.
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- Full name: Thomas Müller
- Date of birth: 13 September 1989
- Age: 34 years old as of February 2023
- Place of birth: Weilheim in Oberbayern, Germany
- Current club: FC Bayern Munich, Germany's national football team
Source: Getty Images
Kai Havertz
On July 1, 2023, Harvetz joined Arsenal FC's squad under Spanish manager Mikel Arteta. According to various publications, the German attacking midfielder was signed on to play the role of a space interpreter.
- Full name: Kai Lukas Havertz
- Date of birth: 11 June 1999
- Age: 24 years old as of February 2024
- Place of birth: Aachen, Germany
- Current club: Arsenal FC, Germany's national football team
Final word
The Raumdeuter is a hybrid role played by creative players. The ability to outsmart defensive tactics makes them some of the most desired chance creators.
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Sports Brief published a report on the most challenging positions in football. Each position in football carries a degree of difficulty, with goal scorers and goal stoppers holding the most pressure in a match.
The article extensively describes the most difficult positions and the players who have dominated them. Click on the link above for details of the most complex football positions to play.
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