All those formations we see are just on paper. When the game starts, things can change. Managers can decide to poke the opposition and find their weaknesses by trying out strategies and switching players around the field. Ronaldo starting on the right doesn't mean that Ashley Cole will be the only one given a rough time. Players tend to drift in and out of their positions, following (or not following at times ) the instructions of their managers.

Having a traditional centre forward is a necessity in my books. It was something lacking in Man United when Ruud left for Madrid. These are players the team can feed off and trust to hold the ball upfront. These are players who are very good with high balls and are the biggest threat during a corner or free kick. These are players who can finish off the slightest opportunity.

I'm an advocate of specialization in the workplace. I'd rather have a master of a certain discipline doing only the thing he does best then have an all rounder running around trying to lend a hand in every department. Not everyone can excel in everything, so I'd rather have a striker spend more time on his finishing then try to improve his tackling.

Exactly. The Alan Shearers, the Van Nistelrooys, the Luca Tonis. All of these players are essential in a team becoz they're usually the best at putting them away and playing their role as the furthest man forward.