The opening rounds of the World Cup have seen four of football's most electrifying forwards ignite the tournament with a flurry of goals. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and England captain Harry Kane have each delivered standout performances, raising the question of how any defence can hope to contain such formidable talent. Their collective impact has set a high bar for the competition, prompting tactical discussions across the footballing world.
Kylian Mbappe kicked off the goal fest for France, netting twice in their 3-1 victory over Senegal. Hours later, Manchester City's Erling Haaland mirrored the feat with a brace in Norway's 4-1 win against Iraq. Not to be outdone, Inter Miami's Lionel Messi showcased his enduring class with a hat-trick as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0. Capping off the impressive run, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane scored twice in England's commanding 4-2 win over Croatia, underscoring the lethal form of these elite strikers.
Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams provided insights to BBC Sport on the challenges of defending against these diverse attackers. When discussing Messi, who recently turned 39 but remains a potent force, Williams emphasised a team-based approach. He suggested that defenders should aim to 'push him into comfortable areas' using body shape and angles, rather than trying to directly dispossess him. Williams noted Messi's exceptional balance and control, making it difficult to force him onto his weaker foot or into predictable positions.
For Kylian Mbappe, Williams, who has faced the Frenchman during his playing career, highlighted the need to stay 'locked in' due to his direct and high-paced dribbling style. While acknowledging France's wealth of attacking talent, Williams stressed that focusing solely on Mbappe could leave other players, such as Michael Olise or Ousmane Dembele, free to cause damage. A collective defensive effort, understanding each player's tendencies, is crucial against France's dynamic attack.
Addressing Erling Haaland, Williams pointed to the importance of disrupting the supply line. Haaland's effectiveness often stems from balls played into space behind the defence, capitalising on his pace and power. Therefore, the strategy against the Manchester City striker would be to 'stop the balls in behind' and prevent him from receiving possession in dangerous areas. This requires a well-organised defence that can cut passing lanes and track his runs effectively.
Harry Kane, England's captain, presents a different challenge due to his versatility. Williams observed that Kane's ability to drop deep, link play, and create chances makes him more than just a goalscorer. Defending against him involves not only marking his runs into the box but also preventing him from dictating play from deeper positions. His capacity to both score and assist demands constant vigilance from opposing defenders and midfielders alike.
Source: BBC Sport