Strikers live on an island. A No. 9 may not see much of the ball during a game, but when they do, a striker must score goals. A good No. 9 never gives up and always works hard for the team. It is difficult to find great strikers in modern football. However, when they are identified, they fetch large sums of money in transfer fees and salaries.

A striker at any level needs to have deadly accuracy and a short memory. Obviously the accuracy will allow them to score goals. Meanwhile, the short memory allows them to forget about missed opportunities.

There are key attributes every striker must have to be successful in football. Without these skills it will be hard for a No. 9 to make it to the highest level.

Speed and quickness

Two of the most important attributes a striker needs are speed and quickness. Speed allows a player to outrun a defender and win a 50/50 ball. Quickness provides a striker with a first step that enables them to get past a centre-back. Working on footwork and quickness in training can enable a striker to gain the edge they need to be a top player.

Good touch

Having a good touch is an attribute that allows strikers to receive passes and put the right pace on layoffs. A good touch can be the difference between holding onto a pass from a midfielder and losing out to a defender.

Physical strength

Holding off defenders is just part of a modern striker’s job. A good No. 9 needs to have the physical strength to keep a defender at bay. This means having both upper and lower body strength. Throughout a 90 minute match, strikers jockey for position with centre-backs. A weak forward will simply be tossed aside by a bigger, stronger defender. Having the power to hold off a centre-back and wear them down physically is important today.

Confidence

Strikers need to be long on confidence and short on memory. A No. 9 must believe they will score every time they shoot. Players have to take the pitch with the mindset that the team is counting on them. Once a striker losses confidence in themselves, it takes a long time to rediscover form.

By having these key attributes, a striker can succeed at all levels. It takes something special to be a professional football player. But these attributes are the building blocks. If you are looking for an opportunity with a professional football team through a trial, contact us today. PremierfootballUK.com can help you kick-start your dream.