At the coach’s discretion, or as a result of the unavailability of a team’s main and recognised striker, playing a wide manwho has a sharp eye for goals, and possesses goal-poaching instincts as a makeshift centre-forward remains a popular tactical option.
This season, Arsenal and Liverpool have had to resort to this system, with Alexis Sanchez and Roberto Firmino taking up striking duties for a larger part of the campaign. With Liverpool attacking trio famed for often interchanging roles, Coutinho has also seldom found himself as a number 9, although sparsely in minutes. But which of this trio has been the better makeshift centre-forward thus far since the start of 2016-17?
Coutinho’s assessment
The 24-year-old Brazilian has once again remained one of Liverpool’s most lethargic attacking weapons this season. While he has only played once in midfield this term, Coutinho has largely been deployed on the left flank as a forward, starting there on 6 occasions.
He has never played full time in a CF position this term but always come close due to Firmino’s drifting wide at times. In his 8 league appearances, he has bagged 3 goals and created 18 chances. Coutinho’s attacking contributions have also seen him carve out 2 assists, complete 339 passes with a pass accuracy of 84%, and recorded a shot accuracy of 58%.
Firmino’s assessment
Firmino has primarily played (5) as Liverpool’s main striker this term, except on few occasions when Sturridge started out in the role and he had to play wide on the left (2).
In all 7 appearances, the 25-year-old has landed 3 goals, created 21 chances – the 4th-joint highest this term, and is without an assist. The skilful forward’s versatility has come handy for Jurgen Klopp since the German arrived a little over a year ago, and he has made most of it thus far. With a shot and pass accuracy of 67% and 79% respectively, the Brazil international has contributed greatly to the Reds attack and already looks a more viable option for the number 9 than Daniel Sturridge.
Sanchez’s assessment
With Olivier Giroud joining the squad late due to his participation with France at the European Championships, his lack of match fitness upon returning and an injury layoff, Alexis Sanchez has had to start 7 league games as a centre forward, coming on as a substitute to play on the wings once.
All in all, the Chilean star has scored on 4 occasions and assisted 2 goals. His shot and pass accuracies incredibly stand at 60% and 78% respectively, while he has created 18 chances this term.
VERDICT
Aside boasting of more impressive numbers, Alexis Sanchez has been beyond excellent this term and has settled well into the centre-forward role despite earlier doubts and average performances. While the Liverpool duo has also played well and helped the club’s cause, Sanchez has stood out overall.
Given how he has fumbled with the role in time past, many questioned Wenger’s decision to try him out in the position once again this term, but from his goals, assists, 2nd assists and (clear) chances created, Sanchez already feels at home as a centre striker, and has been better at it compared to Firmino or Coutinho.