It was interesting to read comments about Etete and some of our other strikers on here. Players like Glatzel, Zohore, Kaba, all better with a long ball to feet than battling for it in the air. We know there have been studies about the damage too much heading of the ball can cause to the brain.

Do many under 21s, under 23s etc play a long ball game, where it is launched up to a striker to battle for in the air, any more? I don't think they do. Youngsters are taught a passing game, keep the ball on the floor. Look at our youth sides, there's never any hoofball stuff, and I'd be surprised if there are any sides at this level or above who aren't the same.

I reckon, give it a decade, long ball football as in a hoof and hope will be long gone. Intentional long passing to feet is a fantastic weapon, but the days of lumping it upfield in the hope a striker will be strong enough to flick it on are gone.