The End of the Number 9

Following Spain's successful (and straightforward) defence of their European title, the main talking point was the lack of a recognised striker for 5 of their 6 games. Do teams need a focal point as a means to attack?

20 years ago the question in this Country would have been 'of course', and phrases such as 'leading the line' and 'hit the big man' would be as frequent as a Spaniard in possession!

This years Euro's saw a lot of teams come away from this stereotype and looked to play less direct and more to feet, with attacking force coming from off the ball movement and quick ball movement. A new theory has evolved - the 4-6-0 - attack with 6 men going forwards and when the ball breaks down the same 6 defend as a unit and press the ball in high areas. Rather than a lumbering front man chasing shadows, the opposition has less time on the ball and potential options are cut off - thus a change in possession.

England's over reliance on diagonal balls to the fleet footed yet aerially weak Danny Welbeck caused their downfall. This was only compounded with the introduction of Andy Carroll, and against Italy the reluctance to hold onto the ball lead to a masterclass in possession football by Pirlo + co.

The Dutch dilemma of which 'number 9' to play (Huntelaar or RVP) resulted in an arial assault which Kjaer and Agger, Hummels and Badstuber, and Alves and Pepe lapped up. Goals against Denmark + Portugal were conceded from the inability to protect the ball in the final third. The one front man lost his uphill battle against 2 centre halves.

Spain have broken the mould yet again...and their demolition of Italy demonstrated movement and work rate not seen since the 1970 Brazil team.