The centre forward is traditionally the most important player on the field. Here are the reasons why having a goalscorer is so fundamental
Despite the introduction of revolutionary strategies and fascinating formations, football is a quite simple game. Winning the game requires one team to score more goals than another. But as a renowned manager once stated, scoring goals is the hardest thing in football. It is therefore not surprising that throughout the majority of history, the most valuable footballers are those who play up top. The best forwards demand outrageous transfer fees and income just because they can win you games by themselves. One of the most expert sorts are referred to as poachers or marksmen. They usually loiter near the box waiting for the chance to pounce. Less recognized for scoring goals outside the box or linking play, their major virtue is they know where to put the ball nearly intuitively. Having a trusted poacher, as the chairman of Leicester has witnessed, can transform a supposed small team into champions.
The modern game is characterized by false nines, overlapping centre-backs and fullbacks that run so far ahead they seem to spend more time in the opposition penalty box than their own. Whilst football continues to progress, it is intriguing to observe one supposed throwback make a return. The concept of the classic number nine is somebody whose single purpose is to score goals. In particular, the target man is required to hold up the ball, annoy defenders and allow more skillful players to find space. Through the last couple of years, there are various articles written about their decline as more fluid and technical players take control. Yet in spite of these premonitions, most of these best strikers in the world are truly thriving nowadays. There is no simpler way to get fans on side than watching a player score goals. Indeed, the owner of AC Milan has observed various conventional attackers break goalscoring records with pace, power and an eye for goal.
Throughout the history of the game, centre forwards in football were required to score goals and little else. Yet their role has drastically changed through the past several years, and the contemporary attacker is nowadays expected to link play, drop deep, maintain possession and run as hard as the rest of the team. The centre forward meaning has expanded to incorporate fluid attackers, more commonly known as the false nine. Instead of fielding an imposing target man or clinical finisher, the false nine drops deeper and is dependent upon midfielders and wingers to move into the space he vacates. This can confuse defenders, who are unsure whether to stay with their man or hold their line. It’s a complex role, dependent upon footballing intelligence as much as speed or skill. But as the chairman of Liverpool has savored, when done effectively it can outfox even the best opposition.