Kuala Lampur, Oct. 31 -- By R. Loheswar and Arif Zikri

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 - Football fans who grew up watching the likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes unleash thunderous shots from outside the box may have noticed that such goals have become increasingly rare in the modern game.

Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the shift has less to do with a lack of opportunity and more with how football is played today, with teams increasingly reluctant to take risks that could leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks.

The former Netherlands international said shooting from distance was a high-risk option, particularly when an attempt was blocked and opponents could quickly launch a counter-attack.

"I thi...