Kids No Longer Aspire to Be No. 9 Due to Influence of Salah, Messi, and Ronaldo, Says Shearer
Legendary English striker Alan Shearer has expressed concerns over the declining interest among young footballers in England to play as the traditional No. 9. He attributes this trend to the influence of modern superstars like Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have shifted the spotlight from the central striker role to more versatile attacking positions.
Shearer, who scored a record 260 Premier League goals, believes that the current generation of young players idolizes the likes of Salah, Messi, and Ronaldo, who are renowned for their versatility and ability to play across the front line rather than as out-and-out strikers. This shift in idolization has led to a noticeable decrease in the number of youngsters aspiring to play in the No. 9 position, traditionally the focal point of a team's attack.
The Newcastle United legend's observations highlight a broader issue in English football, where the development of true strikers seems to be waning. He suggests that the allure of emulating the skills and playing styles of these global icons is steering young talents away from the traditional striker role, potentially impacting the future of the game in England.
