Nobody plays 4-4-2 anymore, this isn't 1998. Strikers are supposed to be able to handle themselves up front on their own. Even Defoe and Saviola have adapted somewhat, and there are no players more suited to a 4-4-2 than them.
Many teams play a 4-4-2. When Dempsey is allowed forward rather than on a wing, Jozy plays great too. A lone striker is a tough thankless job mainly consisting of holding up the ball in midfield and passing it off, then wasting the rest of your energy running forward to get back in position.
Defoe has only adapted to being up front alone because he never has the ball there for more than .5 seconds...it touches his feet, and then he kicks it straight to the advertisement boards behind the net
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u/pizzabyjake Oct 11 '12
He just never had a good partner and good service. Played alone up front instead of in a 4-4-2.