Watch: Karanka on the new type of playmaker in today's game

UEFA EURO 2020 thrilled fans worldwide with some of the best international football has to offer – it was dramatic and entertaining – but also fascinating from a technical point of view.

UEFA's team of technical observers analysed all aspects of the tournament: the matches, the teams, the players and the coaching trends that emerged or were reinforced during the summer's festival of football.

Karanka identified the all-round role that the likes of Pedri performed at EURO 2020

In the latest of our series of videos with these technical observers, former Spain age-group coach Aitor Karanka gives an insight into a new type of player emerging in the modern game.

Karanka analysed the playmaker role, saying "that position is no longer the No10". He added: "Historically, the No10s were the players who were the magicians. Now we see more players in the No6 position or maybe central defenders doing that [creative] job." He explains that at EURO 2020, the formations of the teams – with most playing in a 1-4-3-3 or with five at the back – meant there was no room for the traditional No10.

"We have good examples of players who can play that role perfectly, like [Jack] Grealish, [Phil] Foden, Pedri or [Kevin] De Bruyne," the former Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest manager said. "But now they are more than a No10 because a few of them can play on the wing, or as a No8 or as a No6. For that reason, these players are more complete; they need to be more versatile."

He shows a clip of how Pedri creates a chance but is also then the player, seconds later, trying to recover possession. Karanka also discusses the players that complement these new types of playmakers, the ones who "keep the balance in the team, dictate the tempo of the game – Jorginho, Busquets". He adds: "To have those players who try to play it’s important to have that [more classic] No6 behind you."

In addition, creativity is now being sought from other parts of the pitch. "One thing we found at this EURO is that most of the teams try to build from the back – you need defenders who know how to play," said Karanka who earmarked Leonardo Bonucci, Aymeric Laporte and Jan Vertonghen where "the play started with them".

The traditional set-up of having one centre-back as an out-and-out defender and the other as someone who would play more was outdated, he added, saying all centre-halves must now be good on the ball. "They have more quality and if you don't press them high, they can create problems for you," added Karanka.