Hasselbaink links centre-forward decline to Messi, Ronaldo

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo helped drive a decline in traditional centre-forwards by inspiring young footballers to play on the wing instead. He made the comments at a Chelsea fan event in Kuala Lumpur ahead of the club’s Premier League match against Manchester United the following day.

“You don’t see big strikers coming out like before,” Hasselbaink said. His explanation was that young players grew up watching Messi and Ronaldo on television and wanted to play in similar positions.

Why young players favour the wing

Hasselbaink said the influence of the two stars had shaped what aspiring players wanted to become. “They want to be Ronaldo or Messi. So, where do they want to play? They want to play on the wing,” he said.

He argued that this preference among young footballers had reduced the number coming through as traditional strikers. In his view, the change reflects the players children choose as role models.

Hasselbaink said the emergence of more traditional centre-forwards could gather pace once Messi and Ronaldo move on from their current roles, as new generations look to other role models. He cited Harry Kane, the 2026 Ballon d’Or winner who plays for Bayern Munich, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Hasselbaink on his own playing style

The former Netherlands international scored 87 goals in 177 appearances for Chelsea. He backed his ability to thrive in today’s Premier League, pointing to his mental strength, physical presence and range of finishes.

“I think I’d kill it,” Hasselbaink said. He described himself as a striker who could score from outside the box, inside the box and with his head, adding that he did not see many players of that type in the current Premier League.

Chelsea fixture and what comes next

The Kuala Lumpur event includes meet-and-greet sessions and a watch party for Chelsea’s match against Manchester United. The fixture puts Hasselbaink’s comments about present-day strikers alongside a Premier League meeting involving his former club.

Chelsea are currently fifth in the Premier League table with 13 points, while Manchester United are 16th with seven.