Real strikers are the way to go for Germany - Ballack

Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack, the legendary German footballer, has hailed the use of natural center forwards as the way to go instead of the ‘false nine’ tactic. The German national team has been employing the latter tactic recently, with Marco Rues and Mario Gotze being used ahead of the more natural strikers.

“I’m still a fan of real strikers. The likes of Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose are needed,” the ex Chelsea midfielder said.“The game is fluid but when the ball comes into the box, you need a center-forward. I doubt it [false nine] is a model for the future.”

While he has expressed his views on the matter, Ballack was also quick to praise the depth of the German squad and their ability to adapt to the shift in tactics.

“This shows how many outstanding players we have and all of their potential. That was not the case in the past.” he said.

Ballack, who is now retired, was widely considered to be one of the most influential midfielders of his generation, playing an integral part for his country.