Role of forward in football

Introduction to the attacking line

The role of a forward in football is primarily to score goals and create scoring opportunities for their team. While defending is important across all positions, forwards are primarily judged on their ability to find the back of the net. The attacking line is not a monolithic entity, and different forwards play distinct roles, each requiring specific skills and attributes.

The central striker: goalscoring machine

The central striker, often referred to as a number 9, is the focal point of the attack. Their primary responsibility is to score goals. They need to possess excellent finishing skills, be strong in the air, and have the ability to hold up the ball to bring teammates into play. Think of players like Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, or Erling Haaland - their primary focus is getting into goalscoring positions and converting chances. A classic example is Gerd Müller, whose incredible goalscoring record for Bayern Munich and Germany stemmed from his uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.

a good striker has to be a master of movement. Knowing when to drop deep, run in behind, or peel off to the side is crucial for creating space and exploiting defensive weaknesses. They also need to be adept at reading the game, anticipating where the ball will be played and positioning themselves accordingly.

The winger: pace, dribbling, and crossing

Wingers operate on the flanks, providing width and creating opportunities from the sides of the pitch. Key attributes for wingers include pace, dribbling ability, crossing accuracy, and the ability to cut inside and shoot. They are responsible for taking on defenders, delivering crosses into the box for strikers to attack, and creating scoring chances through their individual skill and creativity. Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané (historically), and Vinícius Júnior exemplify this role. Think of David Beckham's pinpoint crosses or Arjen Robben's signature move of cutting inside onto his left foot - these are hallmarks of effective wing play. Modern wingers are also expected to contribute defensively, tracking back to help their full-backs.

Modern formations often employ inverted wingers, who play on the opposite flank to their dominant foot (e.g., a right-footed player on the left wing). This allows them to cut inside onto their stronger foot and unleash shots on goal or create passing opportunities in central areas.

The second striker: creativity and link-up play

The second striker, sometimes known as a shadow striker or attacking midfielder (depending on the formation), plays just behind the main striker. Their role is to link the midfield with the attack, create scoring opportunities, and contribute goals themselves. Key attributes include excellent passing range, vision, dribbling ability, and the ability to read the game. Players like Thomas Müller, Antoine Griezmann, and Paulo Dybala often operate in this role. They need to be intelligent players, capable of finding pockets of space between the lines and exploiting defensive weaknesses. Dennis Bergkamp, with his incredible technique and vision, was a master of this role.

Second strikers often have more freedom of movement than central strikers, allowing them to roam across the attacking third and pick up the ball in different areas. They need to be able to play quick passes, thread through-balls, and support the main striker with intelligent runs.

Tactical variations and modern forward roles

Modern football is constantly evolving, and the roles of forwards are becoming increasingly fluid and adaptable. Some formations utilize false nines, where a striker drops deep into midfield, creating confusion for the opposition defense and opening up space for attacking midfielders to run into. Other tactics involve playing with two strikers, requiring excellent partnership and understanding between them. The key is for forwards to be versatile and capable of adapting to different tactical systems and game situations.

The "number 10" role, traditionally an attacking midfielder, can also be considered a forward role in certain systems. These players, like Lionel Messi or Kevin De Bruyne, often operate in the final third, creating chances and scoring goals with their exceptional skill and vision.