A look at 10 of the best strikers in the world.
1. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast & Chelsea)
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For affirmation of Drogba’s striking qualities and all-round play, just ask the Arsenal defense. Season after season they are bullied into submission by this physically imposing specimen, who can head the ball, finish well with either foot, and take scorching free-kicks. The Chelsea man may be prone to histrionics, but at club and international level, there are few who can match him for presence and all-round effectiveness.
2. Wayne Rooney (England & Manchester United)
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If there were question marks over Rooney's goalscoring abilities, they were well and truly answered in the 2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness, long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die sprit combine to make a precious asset for club and country.
3. David Villa (Spain & Barcelona)
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The Barcelona star has an exceptional goalscoring record for La Furia Roja. An effective dribbler, with an intuitive finish, the frontman was long linked with a move away from Valencia before joining Barca for $49 million in May 2010. Research conducted by World Soccer magazine in 2009 established him as statistically the best striker in the game. His movement sets him apart from many others, that ability to shake off defenders and eke out space. The complete striker.
4. Fernando Torres (Spain & Chelsea)
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El Nino (The Kid) turned into a phenomenon in the Premier League with Liverpool, but after failing to win a trophy at Anfield, he completed a British record move to Chelsea in January 2011. His pace, touch and deadly eye for goal make him a handful for any defense. He is a regular in the Spain team, although some critics see him as a less technically accomplished player than his strike partner David Villa. Scored the winner for Spain in the Euro 2008 final against Germany.
5. Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon & Inter Milan)
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His country's record goalscorer, Eto'o has been one of the best marksmen in Spain over the last few years after successful spells with Mallorca and Barcelona. He has a reputation for being outspoken but no one questions his commitment to the cause. Helped Inter Milan to a Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia treble in 2010, and is Cameroon’s outstanding player.
6. Diego Forlan (Uruguay & Atletico Madrid)
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Moving to Spain transformed the fortunes of Forlan after he struggled to make the grade with Manchester United in England. Forlan may not be the easiest player to manage, but his intelligence, speed and ability to score goals with both feet make him a fiercesome prospect for any defense. The Uruguay striker was joint-top scorer at the 2010 World Cup.
7. Robin van Persie (Netherlands & Arsenal)
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There are those that believe Arsenal’s Dutch striker can live with the likes of Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney on his day. If it wasn’t for a catalogue of injuries the former Feyenoord winger would have made a far bigger imprint on the game by now. Van Persie possesses a howitzer of a left foot, can link play beautifully and has also learned to hold the ball up more effectively under the tutelage of club manager Arsene Wenger. Fiercely competitive too.
8. Sergio Aguero (Argentina & Atletico Madrid)
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The Atletico Madrid man gives away plenty in height and weight to most other strikers, but deserves to be recognized for his many other qualities, not least his predatory Romario-like finishing. The latest in a string of Argentineans to be dubbed the 'new Maradona,' El Kun’s claim is more substantial than most, given that he is to marry the great man's daughter. Earned his nickname because of a Japanese anime character with the same name and similar hair.
9. Luis Fabiano (Brazil & Sevilla)
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'Fabigol' had a reputation for being hot-headed earlier in his career, but the former Porto ace has calmed down and focused on what he does best: scoring goals. With Ronaldo and Adriano no longer first-choice for Brazil, Fabiano has emerged as the main man in attack fairly late in his career. Signed a new contract with Sevilla in August 2010 despite interest from the likes of Tottenham and Marseille.
10. Carlos Tevez (Argentina & Manchester City)
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When he played for Manchester United Tevez was a terrier, snapping at defenders’ heels. At neighbors Manchester City, who he joined in 2009, the Argentinean has turned into a pitbull. Tevez deserves his place among the great strikers of the modern game because he is arguably the hardest working player on this list. He is also a guaranteed source of 25 plus goals a season.
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