Jersey Numbers: 8, 10

A cross between a winger and a playmaker, the attacking midfielder is a position which merges chance creation with speed. Playing in a narrow formation, this position represents the catalyst from midfield play to attack.

Attacking midfielders are amongst the coveted in the game, as can come at defenses from different angles, beating players with technical dribbling and agility. They tend to score more goals, as well, as they are often in the box with strikers.

In other words, they can cut inside to attack the goal directly, or pass to an open striker. The point is to create more options to score… while, of course, creating chaos for the opposing team’s backline.

Jersey Number: 9

This is the player at the forefront of a team’s offensive play, whose main focus is simple: to score goals. Because strong strikers are in a position to slalom through a defence before shooting on goal, they are a primary threat for why the defence pushes back. He spends most of his time around the box, making centre-backs revolve their style of play around him.

It goes without saying that a striker needs to have great finishing skills; finesse isn’t necessary, although it does hype up the crowd. They usually have more physical strength than speed, although both are important in a fast-paced game.

This has become more of a distinct role in modern-day football, as managers currently have a tendency to play with an extra central midfielder instead of a second striker. This results in more possession and (in theory) more chances to score.

The “real” Ronaldo from Brazil (not to be confused with Cristiano Ronaldo) is arguably the greatest striker to play the game. Luis Suárez (as seen in the above gif),
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Diego Costa are all great strikers in today’s era.

As you can see this was no Alamo type performance from Inverness. The only uneven statistic is the amount of shots for Celtic. Despite having triple the amount of efforts, they only had just over double on target. This shows that Celtic were forced into speculative efforts. This shows that the defensive tactics of Inverness worked.

By shielding their 18 yard box (the larger square in the picture) Inverness prevented Celtic getting in behind them and creating too many chances. The midfielders push out in front, creating two banks of four, arrayed in line with the 18 yard box. The strikers, work against the opposition midfielders and defenders, chasing for the ball and closing down the play before it has a chance to develop.

Inverness' job was made easier due to the fact that Lennon admits that Celtic need more attacking options. The Celtic boss is after two more strikers, after the departure of Gary Hooper.

A great performance from Butcher’s boys. They battled against a far superior (on paper) Celtic team. Considering one of Celtic’s first team earns roughly the same than Inverness' entire squad – this is one hell of a result.

Butcher was very happy with his teams' result- his game plan worked perfectly. The team dropped deep to frustrate Celtic, regardless of the territory lost. You can see by the delight of the Celtic fans and players that they really hard to work hard to break down Inverness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpvi7OtNa7A

One touch passing and intricate play? Are we sure it is the real Jose in the dugout? Some great movement by the Chelsea players here, Oscar times his run perfectly and present himself with an easy chance one on one.

Without trying to blow my own trumpet, who defended Welbeck’s finishing skills in midweek? The keeper and defender can only watch the ball loops into the net. Welbeck starts celebrating before the ball goes into the net, it is that good.

What a finish!

Using the space created by Rooney’s lung bursting sprint (I thought he wanted to leave?) Van Persie checks back onto his favoured left foot. His shimmy around the defender actually makes it harder for him to score and he seems to box himself in. Luckily for the red devils, he smashes the ball into the roof of the net.

Vorm was one of the top goalies last season (confirmed his place in the Netherlands squad, won the Carling Cup and qualified for Europe) but he is left stranded by the power behind the ball.

Players Purchased Fee

Jesus Navas £22,900,000
Fernandinho £30,000,000
Álvaro Negredo £20,600,000
Stevan Jovetic £25,800,000
Zacharias Faour £400,000

£99,700,000

Having invested nearly 100 million in the team the Man City owners will want some serious returns. The signings of Navas and Fernandinho are obvious. They provide international class and experience in the midfield, with the added bonus of Navas' searing pace and crossing ability. Negredo and Jovetic should combine well at the business end of the pitch, with one dropping deep and the other slamming it in the net.

And Faour? Merely the next Zlatan

The big man Dzeko should have a role to play. He offers height (something none of the others offer), heading ability and clinical finishing. After nearly being forced out of the club, it will be interesting to see whether he can become the key man.

Not anymore mate. Callejon has moved to Napoli, most probably due to competition (especially if Real sign you now who.) He is a good singing for Napoli, quick,direct with good dribbling skills .