In the world of soccer, the spotlight often shines on the attackers. From the likes of Karim Benzema leading Real Madrid’s charge to victory in the Champions League, to Kylian Mbappe stealing the show in the Qatar World Cup, goal-scorers are bound to get noticed. However, being a striker goes beyond just scoring goals. It’s a complex position requiring a diverse set of skills. In this article, we will explore the role of the striker in depth, discussing the qualities that make a great striker. We will also highlight some of the current best strikers in the world and delve into the most renowned strikers in the history of the game. By the end, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge about one of the most glamorous positions in soccer.
What Is A Striker In Soccer?
Johan Cruyff, the legendary Dutch footballer and coach, once said, “To win, you have to score one more goal than your opponent.” This principle resonates with attack-minded thinkers who build their tactics around ambitious attacking football. Enter the striker, one of the most important positions in soccer. Typically the most advanced player on the pitch, the primary role of a striker is to score goals and assist their attacking teammates.
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While the role of a striker can vary due to the evolving nature of association football, with variations like the false nine or the inverted winger, our focus will primarily be on the central striker, also known as the center forward. Traditionally, center forwards are referred to as “number 9s” due to the digit displayed on their shirts. However, the demands on strikers have evolved, and their role has become more multifaceted. Now, let’s dive into the key attributes needed for players occupying this position.
The Key Traits Of A Striker In Soccer
The role of a striker can differ based on the team’s formation. Some teams employ two forwards in systems like 4-4-2 or 3-5-2, while others opt for a lone striker. Regardless of the shape, certain qualities are crucial for a successful striker. Let’s explore the essential skills that make a good striker:
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Shooting Ability: Scoring goals is the striker’s primary job, requiring strong shooting abilities from various situations, including tap-ins, low strikes, tight finishes, and powerful shots from distance. Penalty-taking prowess is also important.
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Composure: Strikers need a great deal of calmness, composure, and balance to convert chances in high-pressure situations, especially when facing tight defensive lines.
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Hold Up Play: Solid hold-up play is a vital skill for strikers. This involves receiving the ball under pressure, shielding it, and involving other players in the game by playing accurate passes at the right time.
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Technical Skill: Elite-level strikers possess extraordinary technical skills, including ball control, first touch, passing, and dribbling, which are crucial in advanced areas of the field.
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Intelligent Movement: Strikers need to have a strong understanding of when and where to make runs. Intelligent movement can confuse and overpower defenses, beating the offside trap and finding opportune moments to attack.
The Best Strikers In The World Right Now
When watching top-level soccer, we can witness these skills in abundance. Here are a few names that stand out among the best strikers in the world currently:
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Karim Benzema: The French forward, known for his maturity and prolific goal-scoring, has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success, winning five Champions League titles.
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Robert Lewandowski: Having recently joined Barcelona, Lewandowski was a goal-scoring machine for Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. With over 500 career goals, he possesses aerial ability, clever movement, and an impressive scoring record.
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Erling Haaland: At just 22 years old, Haaland is already considered one of the world’s top strikers. His physicality, pace, and goal-scoring prowess make him a formidable threat.
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Harry Kane: England’s talismanic striker is on track to become one of the Premier League’s all-time greats. With his versatility and prolific goal-scoring, Kane has already left a lasting impact.
The Best Strikers Of All Time
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Some strikers have already achieved legendary status. Here are a few who are widely regarded as the best of all time:
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Ronaldo: The original Ronaldo, hailing from Brazil, was a supremely talented forward who played for prestigious clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. His impressive goal-scoring record and individual accolades highlight his greatness.
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Pele: The only player to have won three World Cups, Pele is a true legend of the game. With over 600 goals to his name, the Brazilian striker is often considered the greatest player of all time.
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Gerd Muller: An icon of European football, Muller scored over 500 goals for club and country, winning multiple Bundesliga titles, a Ballon d’Or, and the 1974 World Cup.
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Eusebio: Portugal’s greatest-ever striker, Eusebio achieved remarkable success throughout his career. Scoring over 600 goals, he left a lasting impact on the game.
Strikers continue to shape the game we love, providing us with unforgettable moments. If you want to further expand your knowledge of soccer positions, check out our article on soccer positions explained. And if you’re interested in a specific attacking role closely related to the striker, explore our guide to the false nine position.
About The Author: Fred Garratt-Stanley is a freelance football writer, Norwich City fan, and amateur footballer. He has covered various football subjects for publications such as British GQ, VICE, FanSided, and Football League World.
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