How to scout: The complete modern forward

The term complete forward has been thrown around rather loosely as of late, but what does this phrase mean? A complete forward is a striker who excels in all aspects; someone who is tall enough to hold-up play, drop deep to link up play, make runs to stretch the oppositions defence, but most importantly score goals.

A few such examples include names like Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski and Krzysztof Piatek. A special mention should go to German youngster Jann-Fiete Arp, as he may soon be on this list of elite players.

There are many components to this role that often go unnoticed. In this analysis, we will look further into what makes a complete forward, and how to spot a player of such tactical rarity.

A determined mindset

In order to become a world-class athlete in any sport, you have to possess the mindset of a champion: someone who isnt self-centered, but is single-minded enough to want to improve. Harry Kane is going to be the focus of this sentiment as he is a perfect example of someone who possesses this golden mindset.

“I saw him walk through the door (at Tottenham) as a 16-year-old and had the pleasure of working with him for four years while I was on the staff and he was a fine young man. You could see from the day he walked in he had a real desire to improve himself as a footballer and the one thing I’d say about him, which unfortunately you don’t say about a lot of young footballers, is that he had a passion for the game. He loves football, he loves playing, he loves scoring goals.”  Clive Allen

The above quote really underlines Kanes elite mindset. He isnt arrogant but has confidence, and has the desire to improve in any way possible. This is what makes a complete forward so incredible: they have everything. Theyre a target-man, a false nine, a pressing forward and poacher all in one. But this excellence doesnt come from just being a good footballer.

“He’s got the lot and he is only going to get better. He can do everything, score a goal, pass it and bring other players in. If every footballer had his attitude a manager’s job would be so much easier. He’s like a Frank Lampard or a Stevie Gerrard, a consummate professional.”  Harry Redknapp.

Harry Redknapps psychological analysis of Kane is perfect. He possesses the desire to be perfect, because great is not good enough. Kane has always had his desire, but it translates into something far greater than being a great footballer.

If we look at Kane over the past four seasons, hes looked a different man every season. This season, his passing has improved in a major way. Lets take a look at a visual graph I made illustrating this point.

As we can see, this desire to improve has translated into his passing improving. His long balls are now at a world-class level. He has the ability to pick out his teammates who like to make runs after Kane drops deeper, which players such as Alli and Son thrive off.

Drop deep, pass the ball

This component to the complete forward role is identical to that of a false nine. After linking play by dropping deep, the players around the striker are able to run in behind into the space vacated by this link-up play.