Hasselbank Links Messi, Ronaldo Era To Decline Of Traditional Centre-forwards

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The influence of two footballing greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo on young footballers over the past decade could be one of the reasons behind the decline in traditional centre-forwards, according to former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Hasselbaink believes the two superstars have shaped the aspirations of a generation of young players, many of whom grew up wanting to emulate Messi and Ronaldo rather than become out-and-out strikers.

“You don't see big strikers coming out like before. Now, why is that? My reason is because of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo plays on the wing. Messi plays on the wing.

“Our children, what do they want to be? Who do they see on television? They want to be Ronaldo or Messi. So, where do they want to play? They want to play on the wing. So majority of players who are coming up, they wanted to play like Messi,” he said.

Hasselbaink was speaking during The Famous CFC fan engagement programme here, which runs from Oct 30 to 31 and features meet-and-greet sessions and fan activities, including a watch party for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Manchester United tomorrow.

Hasselbaink also believed the emergence of more traditional centre-forwards could gather pace once the two superstars move on from their current roles, as new generations look towards different footballing role models like the newly-crowned Ballon d’Or 2026 winner Harry Kane of Bayern Munich and Erling Haaland of Manchester City.

The former Netherlands international, who scored 87 goals in 177 appearances for Chelsea, also backed his ability to thrive in today's Premier League, citing his mental strength, physical presence and versatility in front of goal.

“I think I'd kill it…you don't see strikers like me are no more in the Premier League at the moment who are physical, can score from outside the box, but also can score inside the box, can score with their head, can score all kinds of goals. I think this is not big-headed, but I think nowadays it would be easy for me,” he said.

The 54-year-old also expressed confidence in Chelsea's chances against Manchester United, predicting a 2-0 victory for the Blues at the Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League table with 13 points while Manchester United are in the 16th spot with 7 points.

-- BERNAMA