What it takes to become the #9
- #9 The Goal Getter
- Nov 5, 2019
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2019
I've had the pleasure of working with many different style of Goal Getter's, most of them are nice guys off the park but when they get onto the pitch they have a very narrow and specific focus - they become the #9
For me there is a common theme and set of traits across all great goal getters in football, they are
relentless in their pursuit of goals
a strong desire for success
self confident - event arrogant (ego-esk) maybe at times, and
very single minded (determined)
The traditional "English" centre-forward was tall, strong and brave and an excellent header of the ball. His main job was to score goals and act as a focal point for the attack, often playing with his back to goal he would hold the ball up and the lay it off to play in his team-mates
When not scoring himself, the #9 played an important role by dominating central space and occupying defenders.
The heyday of the traditional English #9 was in the 1960's and '70's
In todays modern game with its may different formats and tika-taka styles of play, this has caused the #9's role to change significantly. in many cases the #9 now operates as a lone striker with a greater emphasis on taking the rare goal scoring opportunities that get created.
The #9's attributes today require them to have
Speed
Agility
Quick Feet
rather than just being physically strong enough to hold the ball
Its a challenging role being a #9 in the modern game.
Are you ready to "become the #9, The Goal Getter"?
Some of my favourite "past" #9's
Alan Shearer Paulo Rossi Gary Lineker Ronaldo
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