Kids No Longer Aspire to Be No. 9 Due to Influence of Salah, Messi, and Ronaldo, Says Shearer

Football legend Alan Shearer has voiced concerns over the declining interest among young players in becoming traditional No. 9 strikers, attributing this trend to the influence of modern superstars like Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Shearer, England's all-time leading scorer, argues that the current generation of young footballers are more inclined to emulate the versatile and dynamic playing styles of these global icons, rather than focusing on the classic role of a central striker.

Speaking on the matter, Shearer highlighted that the allure of playing on the wings or in more creative roles, as exemplified by Salah, Messi, and Ronaldo, is steering young talents away from the traditional No. 9 position. He expressed worry over the future of English football, suggesting that the lack of young players aspiring to be true strikers could impact the national team's performance in the long run.

This shift in aspiration among young players is seen as a reflection of the evolving nature of football, where versatility and individual flair are increasingly valued over specialized roles. Shearer's comments have sparked a broader discussion on the importance of nurturing all types of football talents to ensure a balanced and successful team dynamic.

• Alan Shearer
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Lionel Messi
• Mohamed Salah