In 2002, during the monsoon season in Mumbai, a twelve-year-old boy was more focused on the thrilling quarter-final match between Brazil and England at the FIFA World Cup than his school lessons. Back then, the world was different; mobile phones were basic, and the internet was just starting to gain traction. Information about the match was primarily sourced from newspapers, which heightened the excitement for the young striker who had proudly donned the number 9 jersey for his school team.

That day, he yearned to witness his idols, Brazil’s Ronaldo Nazário and England’s Michael Owen, face off in what promised to be a legendary encounter. He couldn't bear to miss the match during his short school break, so he stormed into the TV room, insisting the staff turn on the game. Just in time, he caught the moment Owen scored due to a mistake by Brazilian defender Lucio, igniting a celebration led by the charismatic David Beckham.

As the match unfolded, the excitement in the TV room grew. Rivaldo’s equalizer after a dazzling run by Ronaldinho only added to the drama. The teacher, understanding the significance of the moment, postponed the class so the boys could witness this historic encounter. The surprise free-kick goal from Ronaldinho brought disbelief, especially when he was subsequently sent off with a red card.

This was my introduction to the exhilarating world of football, a memory I cherish while reminiscing about my school days at St. Mary’s ICSE, Mumbai. Although I had caught glimpses of the 1998 World Cup, 2002 was when my passion for football truly ignited, particularly for my boyhood club, Chelsea FC.

Fast forward to 2024, and as the Euros approach, I reflect on the previous season’s Premier League. The year was forgettable for Chelsea, but one striking detail stood out: the noticeable absence of traditional number 9s. Analyzing the scoring charts reveals that of the top 10 goal scorers, only four were recognized as classic strikers. Erling Haaland led with 27 goals, followed by Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins, and Dominic Solanke. The others on the list were primarily inside forwards or attacking midfielders, indicating a shift in the role of strikers in modern football.

Just five seasons prior, during the 2020-2021 season, half of the top goal scorers were traditional no. 9s. However, the trend of dwindling number 9s has been apparent for over a decade. In stark contrast, the 2001-2002 season featured an entire list of recognized strikers, showcasing the evolution of football tactics.

The late 90s and early 2000s were characterized by striker partnerships within formations like the 4-4-2. Teams like Chelsea with Gudjohnsen and Hasselbaink, Arsenal with Henry and Bergkamp, and Manchester United with Cole and Solskjaer thrived on direct play. The focus was on swift transitions and natural goal-scorers, whose primary role was to score.

Today, however, the philosophy has evolved. The modern striker is expected to contribute to build-up play, support wide players, and engage more in possession-based tactics. This shift has rendered the classic number 9 nearly obsolete, as teams increasingly favor lone strikers or false nines.

I previously discussed how data analytics has affected the role of traditional number 10s, emphasizing the diminishing appreciation for their artistic contributions to the game. Similarly, the role of strikers is becoming diluted, as they are now often required to focus on collective play rather than their primary objective of scoring goals.

Coaching trends are shifting away from position-specific training, leading to a loss of focus on the distinct skills necessary for a classic striker. Arsene Wenger highlighted these concerns in interviews years ago, lamenting the decline of youth street football and the importance of specialized training in academies.

Currently, aside from Erling Haaland, there seems to be a lack of world-class under-25 strikers in Europe. The last generation of notable number 9s, such as Harry Kane, Karim Benzema, and Robert Lewandowski, are aging, while other potential candidates are far fewer and often come from different continents.

With the Euros on the horizon, it’s disheartening to see only a couple of recognized strikers representing England, as the team relies on attacking midfielders and hybrid players to fill the scoring void. This trend is evident across various national teams and showcases the changing landscape of football.

Why not return to the traditional 4-4-2 formation? Imagine a team breaking free from current norms, allowing a center forward to play a role akin to that of a classic striker. There’s a yearning for the return of strike partnerships, reminiscent of the old school where crossing and finishing were celebrated.

While some may dismiss this as nostalgic thinking, it’s essential for managers to reconsider old tactics and blend them with modern strategies. The game risks becoming stagnant without the presence of more traditional number 9s.

As the Euros approach, I’ll be keenly observing how teams approach their attacking strategies, hoping to witness a resurgence of classic strikers. Here’s to the days of Gudjohnsen and Hasselbaink, and a nod to my all-time favorite poacher, Pippo Inzaghi.

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