THE TOP FIVE CENTRE FORWARDS IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THIS SEASON
Goals
are the aim of the beautiful game and the Champions league is a habitat to some
spectacular goals.
However,
The Evolution of football means some teams don’t use their central striker as
their primary source of goals anymore, but the No.9 remains a key position in
world football.
Those able
to thrive in this position make a huge difference to their teams.
With the
Champions League returning, Dockaysworld takes a look at the top five center
forwards in Europe’s premiere competition.
Note: Wide
forwards like Lionel Messi(112 ucl goals), Sadio Mane, Eden Hazard, Mohammed
Salah, Kylian Mbappe and of course Cristiano Ronaldo(127 Ucl goals) are not
included despite their goal scoring records.
5. Sergio
Aguero
Manchester
city – 68games, 37goals
Sergio
Aguero is one of the greatest striker in the champions league history but there
is though one major elephant in his room.
He is yet
to win the competition.
Blessed
with pace, strength and admirable finishing technique the city star stands out
as one of the finest No 9. In his generation and will undoubtedly be aiming to
fire Manchester city to the Champions league glory this season.
4 Luis
Suarez
Barcelona
– 51games, 21goals
A Viper
who can strike from nowhere with some of the most vicious shot you will ever
see.
Although
the Uruguayan has often been vindicated about his abysmal goal scoring record
in away matches in Europe, However he still ticks all boxes as a proper center
forward with his impressive vision, eye for a pass and perfect hold up play.
A true
Legend!
3 Karim
Benzema
Real
Madrid – 113 games, 60 goals – Four titles (2014,2016, 2017, 2018)
If this
was about charisma, handsomeness and all-around magnificence then Karim Benzema
would be No.1 But as it is more about quality, he has to be taken down a few
spots.
The Real
Madrid man is now a shadow of the player he was two or three seasons ago when
he played with Cristiano Ronaldo in Zidane’s narrow 4-4-2 Formation which yielded
three consecutive Champions league trophies.
However he
remains one of the most Iconic center forwards to grace Europe elite
competition.
2 Robert
Lewandoski
Bayern
Munich – 81 games, 54 goals
Robert
Lewandoski ticks all the boxes for the No 1 spot but taking trophies into
consideration, he has to settle for a Runner up position.
Calm In
front of goal and a eye for a wondrous combination of movement and athleticism,
Lewandoski needs to be appreciated more.
He has
also started the season in good form prior to Head Coach Niko Kovac Dismissal.
1 Roberto
Firmino
Liverpool
– 26 games, 14 goals – One title (2019)
Firmino is
simply the glue that joins Liverpool’s fearsome attack together.
A peerless
presser who gives opponents no time to settle whilst with the ball at his feet
flicking and slipping the ball through defensive gaps to let his team-mates
score in abundance.
Firmino
provides much more than just goals, however, as his pressing, passing and
intelligent movement make him a superb foil for Liverpool’s magnificent wide
men.
He is
indeed the Modern day center forward