Kane Blames Ronaldo and Messi For a Lack of Traditional No. 9s

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has said Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s era of dominance has influenced young players to become wingers rather than center-forwards.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Defined an Era of Soccer

Ronaldo and Messi are arguably the two best soccer players the world has ever seen. Ronaldo, who is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, defined pace, power, and precision at his peak, scoring goals, shattering records, and winning trophies for fun. The Portuguese icon, who is still going strong at 39, has won five UEFA Champions League trophies, one European Championship, and five Ballon d’Or honors. He is also the only player in history to score over 900 official career goals.

Messi, on the other hand, is seen as the most complete forward in history. Throughout the years, the Argentine ace has scored sensational goals and created goalscoring opportunities out of thin air, taking his team to breathtaking wins. Across Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Inter Miami, Messi has scored a sensational 738 goals, winning four UEFA Champions League trophies, 12 league titles in Europe, and one Supporters’ Shield with the Herons. The 37-year-old, who has a record eight Ballon d’Or awards to his name, has also won two Copa America trophies and one FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

Harry Kane Believes Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Dominance Caused the Rise of Wingers

One of the finest center-forwards of the 21st century, Kane, is disappointed that there are not too many pure No. 9s around. Speaking on TNT Sports Brazil, Kane explained how Ronaldo and Messi played their part.

The England captain said (via Euro Sport):

“The game is changing a little bit. The way coaching is now [means] a lot of players grow up wanting to be wingers.

“I think [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] dominated for a long, long time playing off the wings. I think a lot of players wanted to watch them. When I was growing up, I had some of the best strikers in the world [to watch], so I wanted to be a No. 9.”

He added:

“That’s just the way football goes. I think, tactically, some managers play with a false nine, or a nine-and-a-half/10 position.

“It’s a shame because, ultimately, I think scoring goals is the hardest thing in football, so I would like to see more No. 9s coming through, but over the years you’ll see it come and go.”

Kane has been an example for young center-forwards across the world, emerging as Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time top scorer (280 goals in 435 appearances) and shattering records at Bayern Munich (64 goals in 62 games). He will look to extend his stellar run for the Bavarians when they take on PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday (November 28).