With the recent trend for teams to press man-to-man and the consequent tendency for teams to increasingly look to go long in the build-up, won't we see teams looking for a number nine again? Recent rumours show that teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United are looking for that profile (Gyokeres or Sesko). And Chelsea have just signed Delap.
Hi Austin. Your comments on the traditional no.9 made me think of the gradual demise of the sweeper from formations, and for many of the same reasons you mentioned for the conventional striker. The rarity of athletes with the requisite skillsets and the preference of coaches to use structures which didn't require one in the line up. Do you see a sustained future for strikers in the modern scheme of things, or is there needle in a haystack prevalence, and the subsequent cost associated, mean they are destined for obscurity? Interesting post!
Great point about the sweeper. I personally think strikers aren't going anywhere. As mentioned, so many good teams seem to be a striker away from winning trophies. I think there will be demand for them. It's just that the skills that are required of a number nine are changing and there aren't a lot of players who are great at it.
With the recent trend for teams to press man-to-man and the consequent tendency for teams to increasingly look to go long in the build-up, won't we see teams looking for a number nine again? Recent rumours show that teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United are looking for that profile (Gyokeres or Sesko). And Chelsea have just signed Delap.
I definitely agree! I think we see lots of teams wanting one, but I don't think there as many elite number nines as there were in the past.
Hi Austin. Your comments on the traditional no.9 made me think of the gradual demise of the sweeper from formations, and for many of the same reasons you mentioned for the conventional striker. The rarity of athletes with the requisite skillsets and the preference of coaches to use structures which didn't require one in the line up. Do you see a sustained future for strikers in the modern scheme of things, or is there needle in a haystack prevalence, and the subsequent cost associated, mean they are destined for obscurity? Interesting post!
Great point about the sweeper. I personally think strikers aren't going anywhere. As mentioned, so many good teams seem to be a striker away from winning trophies. I think there will be demand for them. It's just that the skills that are required of a number nine are changing and there aren't a lot of players who are great at it.