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What began as an innovative idea has transformed into a widely-used practice. Supporting strikers in football are no more a rarity, with managers preferring their teams to be more flexible in attack.
These strikers combine strong technical ability and creativity to create space for the inside forwards while often dropping deep to help the midfield. Such forwards can play in a variety of attacking positions, and their skill-set means they are capable of doing a good job in any position.
It is not an easy role, and it takes time to understand the nuances of play. That is why Liverpool are still searching for adequate competition and subsequent replacement for Roberto Firmino, as very few players can play that role at a world-class level.
On that note, let's take a look at the five best supporting strikers in world football at the moment.
#5 Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
Referred to as the 'engine' of the Liverpool side by manager Jurgen Klopp, Roberto Firmino has been crucial to the club's success in recent years.
Firmino did not come cheap, with Liverpool paying Hoffenheim nearly £37 million for his services in 2015. After a slow start to his Premier League career, the appointment of Klopp had a transformative effect on Firmino.
Klopp started utilising the Brazil international in an unorthodox attacking role, with Firmino often dropping deep to facilitate midfield play and create space for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The 29-year-old has been widely appreciated for his technical ability, creativity and intelligence. In 292 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, Firmino has scored 87 goals and provided 69 assists.
#4 Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
A prodigious talent, Kai Havertz was destined for great things ever since his early days with Bayer Leverkusen.
A strong 2019-20 campaign saw Havertz linked with some of the biggest clubs in the world. Chelsea managed to sign him last summer for £72 million, and Havertz showed glimpses of his undoubted potential during his debut season.
Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or further forward, the Germany international was often utilised as a false 9 by manager Thomas Tuchel during the latter half of last season.
Havertz made 45 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season, scoring nine goals and providing as many assists. The 22-year-old scored the sole goal of the game in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
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#3 Antoine Griezmann (Barcelona)
Antoine Griezmann's Barcelona stint has not gone according to plan, but the forward remains one of the best attackers in the game.
Questions were raised when Barcelona splurged £108 million to sign Griezmann from Atletico Madrid. The France international had been one of the best players in the game during his time with Atletico Madrid. But the transfer made little sense, given Barcelona's available resources in attack.
The 30-year-old has made 99 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 35 goals and providing 17 assists. A highly versatile forward, Griezmann is at his best when paired with another attacker. He was key for France at Euro 2020, and it is not surprising to see him linked with a return to Atletico Madrid.
#2 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Thomas Muller's highly unorthodox style of play has endeared him to fans and critics alike, and the Raumdeuter is regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern generation.
Muller is not an aesthetically pleasing players, but few can match his efficiency. Scrappy goals often go side by side with beautiful assists, and few can deny that the Germany international is not a complete forward. Muller is capable of operating anywhere across the forward line, and excels in finding space and creating openings for his teammates.
The 31-year-old is a one-club man, having spent his entire career with Bayern Munich. He has made 581 appearances in all competitions for the Bavarian giants, scoring 214 goals and providing 218 assists. For Germany, he won the Golden Boot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and lifted the trophy in 2014.
#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The greatest player to have played the game, Lionel Messi's exact position on a football field is difficult to pin down.
A world-class creator, dribbler and goalscorer, Messi became one of the very best in the game under Pep Guardiola, who used him as a false 9. An excellent playmaker, Messi often dropped deep to dictate play, something he continues to do.
The diminutive Argentine has made over 778 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona, scoring 672 goals and providing 305 assists.
Luis Suarez and Neymar thrived off Lionel Messi's world-class prowess. Capable of playing in attacking midfield, wings or as a central forward, the Argentina international is a generational talent who has excelled for club and country.
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