There has been a growing feeling in recent years that the old school centre-forward is being fazed out of the modern day game.
Attacking players nowadays tend to play out wide or in the pockets of space between the opposition’s defence and midfield. And some teams even opt to play without a focal point whatsoever, leading to the birth of the term ‘false nine’.
But after agreeing a move to Cambridge City, Mikey Salako is determined to show that there is still a place for a striker that thrives on putting the ball in the back of the net.
Salako, after all, has his location on social media set to inside the six yard box – a clear indication as to where he likes to operate.
And his numbers also back that up. The 30-year-old will arrive at the FWD-IP Community Stadium on the back of two campaigns in the Isthmian League South East Division with Herne Bay, for whom he has scored 50 goals.
Salako said: “If the ball is anywhere in the penalty box then it’s like I’m eating my dinner!
“I always stay alive, try to anticipate where the ball is going to drop and then take the chances when they come.
“I love scoring goals and the pressure of being one of the players that is relied on to do that, I seem to thrive off it.”
With a half-century of goals to his name across the previous two seasons, Salako has understandably made the switch to City full of confidence.
But he is also armed with a self assurance about his game and how to get the best out of himself – something that has come easier with age.
“I’m 30 now and this is the fittest that I’ve ever felt in my life,” added Salako, who also includes the likes of Maldon & Tiptree, Brightlingsea Regent and Basildon United among his list of former clubs.
“I’m feel faster, I feel stronger and I’m moving better than I ever have.
“It definitely feels like I’ve got better with age and now I know what I’m good at.
“Some people need a few games to find their feet at a new club, but the way I’m feeling right now, I don’t think it’s going to take me long with City.
“With the quality of service that I know I’m going to get, it feels like the perfect match.”
And working alongside City boss Jamie Cureton, Salako believes that there could be even more levels for him to find.
“It’s an honour to be working with someone that has done so much in the game at a professional and non-league level,” said the frontman.
“He’s been so successful in the game and to work closely with someone like that can only be an advantage for myself.
“I’ll learn plenty, especially during training, and I can become a better playing working under him.”
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