- Darwin Nunez Nunez is clearly at the top of his game; he has scored 26 goals in 28 games this season in the Portuguese league
- Nunez shares No. 9 characteristics with Haaland; i.e. Both thrive on penetrative running behind opposing defences
- Osimhen has 27 goals and nine assists in 60 games for the club, and the Nigeria international is at his best when the ball is played in behind the defence
The news that Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland has agreed to join Manchester City for $63.2 million this summer sent shockwaves worldwide.
But it’s no coincidence that the transfer of a No. 9 striker sparked such wild speculation in the media and social media.
A club’s centre-forward can often make or break a game by finishing an attacking phase and giving the defence a break by winning and defending free kicks (among other things).
Most top coaches would rather have a “true No. 9” than play without one.
So, with Haaland off to the Premier League, who are the next No. 9s likely to be targeted by rivals looking to keep up with Manchester City’s free-spending – and, hopefully, free-scoring – ways?
Darwin Nunez
Age- 22 Years
Club– Benfica
Transfer Value- $41.5million
Darwin Nunez. Photo: Eurosport
Despite being right-footed and preferring to operate from a wide starting position on the left, the Uruguay international shares some No. 9 characteristics with Haaland.
Both thrive on penetrative running behind opposing defences, and both are extremely difficult to contain in physical challenges or at top speed.
Nunez, who arrived at Benfica in the summer of 2020 in a surprisingly low-key €24 million transfer from Almeria, has had an incredible year, particularly since the turn.
With 26 goals in 28 games this season in the Portuguese league, he provides a plethora of options:
He can chase a long ball over the top to showcase his speed against defenders (as he did in the derby against Sporting CP), and he can make clever runs to get on the end of crosses.
He can hit precise long-range shots, and he can take up good positions on both defensive and attacking set-pieces.
Nunez is clearly at the top of his game, and the powerful 22-year-old looks like he could handle a move to one of Europe’s top leagues, with links to Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Lautaro Martinez
Age- 24 Years
Club- Inter Milan
Transfer Value- $72.7million
Lautaro Martinez. Photo: TEAMtalk
Lautaro was initially a “second striker” or “support striker” but has eventually moved to a more central position.
His finishing abilities, combined with his ability to protect the ball and create chances in the final third, have contributed to his coaches’ desire for him to play closer to the goal.
The 24-year-playing old’s style is similar to that of Argentina teammates Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero, with a quick, functional technique and a low centre of gravity.
He’s not the traditional build of a No. 9 striker at 5-foot-9, but he wins a respectable 38% of aerial challenges.
Though he can be wasteful in front of goals and tends to score in spurts, Lautaro is becoming increasingly prolific (19 Serie A goals this season) and could be available in the summer transfer window as Inter Milan looks to improve their financial situation.
Tammy Abraham
Age- 24 years
Club- AS Roma
Transfer Value- $46.8 million
Tammy Abraham. Photo: Eurosport
The ex-Chelsea striker has a balanced overall game and a distinct advantage in physical skills and aerial ability.
Abraham has settled well in Serie A and appears to be a more assured footballer than he did a year ago, making better decisions and appearing more focused.
When watching the England international, it’s clear that he’s worked hard to improve his weaknesses.
His 15 league goals are four more than Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner (the two forwards prevented him from getting enough minutes at Stamford Bridge).
While Roma will undoubtedly want to keep him, his performances have piqued the interest of several Champions League clubs.
Victor Osimhen
Age- 23 Years
Club- Napoli
Transfer Value- $62.3million
Victor Osimhen. Photo: Getty Images
Despite spending a significant amount of time in the treatment room during his first two years in Italy, Osimhen has 27 goals and nine assists in 60 games.
His speed, directness, and finishing ability make him a constant threat and give him the incisiveness required by a true No. 9.
The 23-year-next old’s challenge will be to improve his hold-up game and appear less detached from his teammates during phases of build-up play.
The Nigeria international is at his best when the ball is played in behind the defence, but when there is little space behind the defence (unless he arrives at the end of a cross), he struggles to make an impact.
However, with Napoli paying $72 million to sign him from Lille in July 2020 and his contract expiring in three years, he may not be cheap for any suitors.
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