Isak, Gyökeres and Ekitiké herald a new age of the center-forward | Jonathan Wilson

The article discusses the resurgence of the traditional center-forward in the Premier League and European football. It notes that after a period where teams favored striker-less formations and "false nines," the focus has now shifted back to signing and relying on big, physical center-forwards. The article cites examples from the past decade, such as Spain's success at Euro 2012 with Cesc Fàbregas as a false nine, and Germany's reluctance to field a traditional striker at the 2014 World Cup. However, it suggests that the tide has turned, with the recent high-profile transfers of players like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Hugo Ekitiké indicating a renewed emphasis on the center-forward position. The article suggests that while the traditional center-forward may have been seen as a dying breed, they have never entirely disappeared, with players like Sergio Agüero, Harry Kane, and Cristiano Ronaldo continuing to excel in that role. The article concludes that the current transfer market and interest in center-forwards herald a new age for the position in top-level football.