Erling Haaland and Darwin Nunez signal return of the big striker in Premier League

Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola's era of Premier League dominance has been achieved without much contribution from specialist centre-forwards, with the honourable exception of Sergio Agüero in the autumn of his career.

Liverpool and Manchester City's attacks have been defined by flexible forwards who press from the front, dribble like wingers, create for team-mates and offer individual goal threat. Only two players passed 20 Premier League goals last season – Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min, leading some to wonder if central strikers were being phased out at the top level.

The arrival of Erling Haaland and Darwin Núñez could reverse that trend though, and give Manchester City and Liverpool a completely different feel next season.

There is far more to both players' games than brute force and battling centre-backs with back to goal, but they offer physical presence and stature previously absent from their squads.

With Harry Kane leading the line for Tottenham and the possibility of Romelu Lukaku staying at Chelsea, the big centre-forward could make a comeback next season and this is why.

Exemplified by City and Liverpool, well structured and coordinated pressing has been one of the themes of recent seasons, especially in the biggest matches.

City and Liverpoool back themselves to pass through the pressure when opponents are brave enough to try and engage them high up the pitch. They frequently succeed, creating space to attack against isolated defenders.

On occasion though, against a particularly troublesome opponent or in unfavourable conditions, the ability to go straight over the press can be an effective weapon.

With Haaland and Núñez in the No 9 role, City and Liverpool could play into them directly and focus on