We still miss the ‘9’ of the old school. But they are not needed.

Those nicknamed “tanks”, usually of great physical build, with scoring nose and area play as main characteristics. They did not defend, they did not gestate and they did not leave the pond, because at the end of the day a fish out of water is of little use.

The times changed. Current football demands the opposite.

Two names: Mauro Icardi and Roberto Firmino. Both, the perfect sample of all that a modern striker brings.

And, of course, then is the best of all.

Icardi, the leader

Inter has a flagship player, captain, and goalscorer. That is Mauro Icardi.

Argentinean, average build, great capacity for the association. The striker is the leader of his team, beyond being the protagonist in its operation.

Apply to perfection the wise phrase “it is better to get there than to be”. Although he has great area play, he finds spaces in other corners of the field.

His goal-scoring nose is impressive. And he can also assist you.

Obviously, it will leave Italy. I hope this is soon. Better leagues require a forward of this level.

Firmino, a unique species

The Brazilian was always an interesting player. He is remembered with affection in Hoffenheim, stage in which Europe knew him.

An offensive midfielder who, after the conversion courtesy of Klopp, became a top striker.

Undoubtedly, one of the best players in the world.

Roberto Firmino interprets the game perfectly. Understand that he is more valuable contributing to the team and not ending, although he adds some good numbers at the end of the season.

He will be the face in the next positional revolution in football.

Benzema, the misunderstood genius

Karim Benzema has been criticized constantly. It shows that journalism does not understand football. Much less modern concepts.

The French changed football and contributed great ideas in the history of Cristiano Ronaldo.

He ended the idea that the strikers only have to score goals and promoted a new role increasingly common in football. It does not have a name yet.

But I think that from this moment we can start to thank him.