The modern striker’s life is a lonely one. Teddy Sheringham, a veteran of countless battles leading the line for Manchester United, doesn’t mince words: playing as a lone number nine is brutally difficult. It demands a unique blend of strength, speed, and a relentless work ethic, a player who can simultaneously hold the ball, create chances, and deliver goals.
Sheringham points to a critical shift in the game. Wingers, once reliable providers of crosses, now frequently cut inside, seeking their own glory. This leaves the central striker isolated, forced to conjure goals seemingly from nothing. The expectation to perform this Herculean task, game after game, is immense, and Sheringham admits he wouldn’t relish the challenge himself in today’s game.
Manchester United’s recent search for a solution to this problem has been fraught with difficulty. The ambitious project surrounding Rasmus Hojlund lasted barely two seasons before the club invested heavily – £74 million – in Benjamin Sesko, a player long coveted by Europe’s elite. Yet, even with this significant investment, questions remain.
Sesko’s appearances in crucial matches have been sporadic, often finding himself on the bench. A recent derby saw him replaced by Bryan Mbeumo, a decision that spoke volumes about the manager’s current thinking. Earlier in the season, a similar fate befell Sesko during a trip to Liverpool, further highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his role.
Sheringham sees potential in the young Slovenian, but doubts whether he possesses the commanding presence United desperately needs. He hopes to see Mbeumo given more opportunities to lead the attack, believing the player has the attributes to thrive under pressure. The weight of expectation at Old Trafford, Sheringham emphasizes, is a different beast altogether.
The difference between a good player and a great player, according to Sheringham, lies in the confidence and swagger they bring to the pitch. Legends like Eric Cantona and Wayne Rooney arrived at United believing they were born for the occasion. Sesko and Hojlund, however, seem burdened by the enormity of the club, hoping to succeed rather than expecting it.
Across town, at Arsenal, a similar debate is unfolding around Viktor Gyokeres. Despite a prolific record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting CP, he initially appeared to struggle with the demands of leading the Gunners’ attack. Recent goals against Chelsea and Inter Milan, however, may signal a turning point in his fortunes.
Sheringham believes Gyokeres is fulfilling a vital, if often unglamorous, role for Mikel Arteta. While his goal tally may not be astronomical, he consistently occupies defenders, creating space for others and pinning back the opposition’s central defenders. This selfless contribution, Sheringham argues, is precisely what Arteta values.
Arsenal’s success isn’t solely reliant on Gyokeres finding the net. The team boasts a wealth of attacking talent, capable of scoring from various positions. But Gyokeres’ ability to disrupt and occupy defenders is crucial to their overall system, ensuring Arteta continues to place his trust in the Swedish striker.
