Kids No Longer Want to Be No. 9: Shearer Blames Superstars for Decline in True Strikers
Alan Shearer, a legendary figure in English football, has voiced his concern over a noticeable shift in the aspirations of young footballers in England. According to Shearer, the influence of global superstars like Mohamed Salah, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo is steering young players away from the traditional No. 9 striker role.
Shearer, who himself was a prolific striker, pointed out that the trend of idolizing wingers and attacking midfielders over central forwards is becoming increasingly evident. He believes this shift is detrimental to the development of future strikers in the English game. 'The kids no longer want to be No. 9 because of Salah, Messi, and Ronaldo,' Shearer remarked, highlighting how these superstars' flair and goal-scoring from wide positions have captivated young fans and aspiring players alike.
This phenomenon is reflected in the current landscape of English football, where the number of traditional center-forwards seems to be dwindling. Shearer's observations raise questions about the future of the striker position and the potential impact on the national team's strategy and performance.
