Getafe's Christantus Uche, is making headlines in La Liga this season with an impressive transition from his natural position as a defensive midfielder to playing as a number nine.
The 21-year-old, who recently moved up from Spain’s fourth division, has quickly adapted to top-flight football, becoming an essential figure in Getafe’s attacking setup.
Despite being a natural in defensive midfield, Uche has embraced his new role upfront, driven by his versatility and determination.
In an interview with Supersport, he detailed how the transition began during a preseason match against Real Oviedo.
Christantus Uche: From midfield maestro to Getafe’s number nine
“My favorite position is defensive midfield,” Christantus Uche said. “When I started playing as a number nine in Getafe, it was against Real Oviedo in preseason. In the first half, I played in midfield.
“In the second half, the coach said to me, ‘Uche, can you play as a center forward?’ I didn’t hesitate, I just said okay. From there on, I started playing as a number nine.”
His confidence has only grown since that moment. Uche went on to score Getafe’s first goal of the season against Athletic Bilbao, announcing himself as a reliable asset in attack.
“In the game against Bilbao, the coach told me I was going to continue to play as a number nine. Again, I didn’t hesitate because I know what I can do, and as long as it is football, I can play anywhere.”
So far this season, Uche has featured in six La Liga games, four of which were as a center forward. His physical presence and work ethic have drawn attention, as Uche has been fouled 16 times—only trailing Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal (18) in this category.
