Yesterday I watched the match Spain vs Portugal. The keyplayer was Llorente, who came in the pitch as a substitute for Torres in the second half.
The coach of Spain, Del Bosque, knew that Portugal would be on the defensive so he thought of a plan to create space way up front. He used Torres and Villa more or less as wingers and let Iniesta play a free role to help out the midfield. Obviously he hoped this would make the defenders of Portugal decide to put pressure on iniesta on the midfield. The problem was they didn't. Spain had all the possession but couldn't create chances of any kind.
When Llorente, a central striker, came in everything changed. Llorente stayed in the middle and acted as a stand for Villa, Xavi, Iniesta and others to have the ball close to the goal to try to make a shot. Ramos and Villa became the wingers who were able to put in some nice crosses. This resulted in a major chance for Llorente, only after one minute on the pitch. The cross came from Ramos and Llorente was able to make a header. Fortunatly for the keeper is was directed at his hands.
Because Spain now had someone in the box who could keep the ball, wheter they tried to reach him through the air or through a regular pass. The goal is an excellent example of this. Llorente got the ball in the box, which was picked up by Iniesta who make a throughpass to Xavi who could reach Villa with his backheel. Villa then made the goal.
So, a central striker can be very important, not only in making goals, but also in creating chances for other players.
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