This player is located in the opponent's area, constantly looking for gaps and paying attention to his teammates' passes to find a way to score a goal. He must have great aim and have excellent reflexes, standing out in the aerial game and in his powerful finishing.
Although football is a sport in which you play 11 against 11, the striker's position is one of the most important because of its role in scoring goals. At the end of the day, games are won by scoring more goals than the opponent and in that case, good strikers are the ones who make the difference.
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What is the role of the forward?
The center forward is the player who is furthest forward on the field of play, he is the player closest to the rival goal, therefore, he is the one who has the best chance of finishing the plays and scoring a goal. There are different striker profiles, but in the end what is sought from them is that they are capable of creating or finishing attacking plays.
Qualities of a good striker
Generally, it is said that a good striker has a nose for goal. However, this term is perhaps not very precise to clearly and objectively define a series of qualities necessary in a good forward.
Good finish
The combination of power and aim is the key to converting a high percentage of chances into goals. That is probably the most important characteristic in the position of a forward, since no matter how good the other qualities are, this is the one that makes the difference, since a 9 has to be a great scorer.
Intelligence
Likewise, intelligence is a very valuable asset, in the sense that they know how to read the game and thus find the weak points of the rival defense, thus being able to attack in those areas, creating a greater number of dangerous actions.
Speed
This quality is very important, because it allows you to easily throw unmarked shots behind the centre-backs or unbalance them with changes of pace, leaving you alone against the goalkeeper.
Force
Obviously, like any other position, forwards must be in good shape. In the case of the forwards, they must have strength and withstand the collision, since they are measured against the center backs, who are usually the strongest and most forceful players on the team. In addition to strength, they must have great explosiveness to be able to escape from the rival defense.
Some of the best center forwards in history
Ronaldo Nazario
The Phenom is considered one of the best players of all time. The Brazilian has been the best center forward in the history of football for many. Ronaldo won two World Cups with his team, being the best.
Ferenc Puskas
He was the leader of the Hungarian national team in the 1970s. This forward was able to score 709 goals in 720 official matches. A true center forward.
Gerd Muller
In 1972 the German striker scored 85 goals. In total, he surpassed 700 official goals throughout his career. Torpedo Muller is a legend of German football and winner of a golden ball and golden boot.
