What Makes Alvaro Morata a Complete Footballer in Modern Football?

Watching Alvaro Morata evolve over the years, I’ve come to appreciate just how rare his profile is in modern football. It’s not just about scoring goals—though he does that plenty—but the sheer breadth of what he offers. I remember tuning into that Madrid match where Iga Swiatek, down a set and a break against Eala, clawed her way back to win. That kind of resilience, that ability to adapt mid-game when things aren’t going your way, is something I see mirrored in Morata’s career. He’s faced criticism, moved between clubs, and yet he’s consistently refined his game, emerging as a leader and a versatile attacker who fits almost any tactical system. In today’s football, where specialists often dominate discussions, Morata stands out as a throwback and a forward-thinker all at once.

Let’s talk about his movement off the ball. Honestly, I think it’s one of the most underrated aspects of his game. While many strikers today operate largely within the width of the penalty area, Morata is constantly drifting into channels, dropping deep to link play, or making runs that pull defenders out of position. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen him create space for teammates just by dragging a center-back with him. His heat maps from the last two seasons show he covers around 11 kilometers per match on average—a number more commonly associated with box-to-box midfielders than traditional number nines. That kind of work rate isn’t just impressive; it’s transformative for a team’s buildup. He’s not waiting for service; he’s actively participating in constructing attacks, something that reminds me of how Karim Benzema operated at his peak, albeit with Morata’s own distinct flair.

Then there’s his aerial ability. Standing at 189 cm, Morata wins approximately 65% of his aerial duels—a stat that puts him in the top tier of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues. But it’s not just about height; it’s his timing and the variety of headers he can produce. Whether it’s a glancing flick-on to release a winger or a powerful finish from a cross, he makes himself a constant threat. I recall a Champions League match last season where his headed assist completely changed the momentum of the game. That kind of contribution is priceless, especially in tight, physical contests where ground play might be stifled. And defensively? He’s not shy about tracking back. I’ve seen him make crucial clearances from corners and set pieces, something most strikers would delegate to their defenders.

What really seals the "complete" label for me, though, is his mental resilience. Think back to Swiatek’s comeback in Madrid—she was down but never out, adjusting her strategy and fighting back. Morata has had his share of setbacks: high-profile misses, criticism about his consistency, and the pressure of big transfers. Yet, he’s bounced back, season after season. At Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and now back leading the line for Spain, he’s shown he can handle expectations. His goal involvement rate has hovered around 0.78 per 90 minutes over the past three years, a solid return for someone who does so much more than just score. Personally, I admire how he’s embraced leadership roles later in his career, mentoring younger players while maintaining his output. It’s that blend of experience, skill, and temperament that makes him so valuable.

In an era where football often feels increasingly segmented—with players pigeonholed into specific roles—Morata defies categorization. He’s a creator, a finisher, a defender from the front, and a tactical wildcard all rolled into one. His journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s that very unpredictability that makes him such a compelling figure. Just like Swiatek’s ability to turn a match on its head, Morata brings a multidimensional threat that coaches dream of. For my money, he’s one of the most well-rounded forwards playing today—a testament to adaptability, hard work, and footballing intelligence that sometimes goes unnoticed. If you ask me, that’s what makes a truly complete modern footballer.