sports
Why all is not lost for the rarest of breeds – a true No 9
Lack of specialist training may explain drop in influence, but many feel the centre-forward is due a revival
TL;DR
- The percentage of Premier League goals scored by strikers has significantly decreased from 41.6% two decades ago to 25.9% this season.
- Individual striker performances, such as hat-tricks, have also dwindled significantly.
- England's national team lacks depth at the striker position beyond Harry Kane, with limited convincing options.
- Modern football tactics, influenced by managers like José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, have shifted towards possession-based play and formations that often do not utilize traditional centre-forwards.
- Specialist striker training has become less frequent, with a greater emphasis on general fitness and possession drills.
- Youth academies are mirroring first-team formations, potentially hindering the development of natural strike partnerships.
- Despite the current decline, there is belief that the No. 9 position could see a resurgence if successful strike partnerships become fashionable again.