Hasselbaink: Messi and Ronaldo ended era of traditional strikers

The 54-year-old Hasselbaink, who enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League, believes the tactical evolution of the game has fundamentally altered the role of the traditional target man. According to the former international, the emergence of Messi and Ronaldo as the game's dominant forces reshaped how teams approach attacking play, effectively phasing out the conventional centre-forward archetype that once defined football.

Despite the changing landscape, Hasselbaink expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the highest levels of English football, suggesting that his skills and experience would still translate effectively in the modern Premier League environment.

Looking ahead to Chelsea's encounter with Manchester United, Hasselbaink offered his prediction for the match result, drawing on his extensive experience in the competition. The veteran analyst's perspective reflects the broader tactical shift that has seen elite teams move away from the traditional lone striker system toward more fluid, adaptable formations that better suit the contemporary style of play.