Pyramid-mould centre-forward

Cisarro · Jun 11, 2015

Hi people:

I would like to know something... is there any positional difference between the old pyramid-mould centre-forwards (Vivian Woodward, John Devey, Olphie Stanfield, Matthias Sindelar, etc.) and more "modern" withdrawn centre-forwards like Florián Albert and Lionel Messi (in Guardiola's era)?

I quote Tonny Matthews about John Devey:

He never lacked initiative, but was a strong believer in combination, bringing in his fellow forwards and half-backs into the game as often as possible. He was exceptionally clever with his head as he was with both feet and often scored goals from distance when he caught the opposing goalkeeper off guard.
Click to expand...

Thank you in advance

msioux75 · Aug 6, 2019

Cisarro said: ↑

Hi people:

I would like to know something... is there any positional difference between the old pyramid-mould centre-forwards (Vivian Woodward, John Devey, Olphie Stanfield, Matthias Sindelar, etc.) and more "modern" withdrawn centre-forwards like Florián Albert and Lionel Messi (in Guardiola's era)?

I quote Tonny Matthews about John Devey:

Thank you in advance
Click to expand...

Something to consider is that forward lines in classic Pyramid tactic started its action close to centre half way line, the five players almost in a flat line.

This caution approach was due to old offside rule, being easier to catch the whole forward line off side with three men at back. This is the same reason, why was needed only two defenders in the lineup.

With the change of the offside rule, some forwards became more aggresive in their approach, placing themselves closer to opposing area than before, especially outside and centre forwards.