Adam Leventhal is joined by James Horncastle, Raphael Honigstein & Jack Pitt-Brooke to debate and analyse the values and importance of a no.9 in international football.

With the likes of Olivier Giroud, Richarlison and Harry Kane all playing prominent roles in their nations' hopes of winning the World Cup, yet playing the centre forward role in a differing way: what exactly are the hallmarks of a successful no.9?

The role of a false nine, target man and wide forward converted into a striker are all evaluated as well as the evolution of the centre forward through football history along with the role academies have played in the 'decline' of no.9 production.

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Kane, Giroud, Richarlison: what makes a World Cup no.9?