In Modern football the role of a forward has evolved a lot, nowadays they are more than goal scorers they also create chances, are involved in the linkup play and also help in the defensive third of the pitch. Currently the world of football is blessed with many great strikers and hence it very difficult to pick the best out of this lot.
Here’s a list of Sportzwiki’s top 5 forward in the world based on the calendar year of 2014.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid & Portugal):
Cristiano is unarguably the best player on the planet and the craziest goal scorer. Ronaldo had a brilliant 2014 he ended the year with Champions League and La Liga golden boot and also won the European Golden Shoe. He played the biggest role in Real Madrid’s La Decima saga and also won the Copa Del Rey. He also successfully escorted Portuguese national team towards Brazil. He ended 2014 as the top scorer of both Real Madrid and Portugal and also the top scorer on La Liga. Till now he has scored 25 goals in just 18 La Liga games which is a jaw dropping figure. Because of all these achievements and qualities Cristiano is the most deserving candidate to be in the top 5 forwards list.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Argentina):
Lionel Messi had a brilliant 2014 too but unfortunately closed the year without winning any silverware. Messi’s 2014 was all about breaking records and finishing some undone business. He successfully steered Argentina till world cup finals and won the World Cup Golden Ball. He also ended this year as La Liga’s top goal scorer breaking Zara’s record, Champions League top scorer breaking Raul’s record, El Classico top scorer and also Catalan Derby top scorer. His goal scoring form was fluctuated because of playing in different roles under different managers but still he has managed to score 15 goals in La Liga this season. Because of all these qualities, aspects and records broken Messi gets a well deserved place in the top 5 forwards on 2014.
Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid, Chelsea & Spain):
Diego Costa is the most feared striker in the Premier League and was a deadly striker with Atletico last season. He played a huge role in Atletico Madrid’s La Liga triumph and their brave journey till the Champions League Finale. His goal scoring form with Spain wasn’t impressive but it is improving nowadays. Deigo Costa is a classic old school type of striker who plays simple football with brilliant hold up play, beautiful positioning and excellent finishing from anywhere in the box. Till now he has scored 12 Premier League goals in Chelsea shirt and shockingly with 0 penalties. All these qualities and his current form have earned him a place in the top forwards list.
Sergio Aguero (Manchester City & Argentina):
Just like all the other forwards Aguero had a brilliant year too but caught an injury during late November. Aguero was scoring goals for fun in 2014 in both Premier League and Champions League as well. His hattrick vs Bayern Munich made Manchester City’s qualification into the round of 16 a bit easier and in Premier League he has scored 14 goals in 15 games and is Manchester City’s top scorer and savior in every competition. Aguero is not just a goal scorer he is also good at creating chances for his teammates and is also noticeable in the defense. Aguero deserves to be in this list without any shadow of a doubt.
Karim Benzema (Real Madrid & France):
This man is definitely the most shocking mention in this list for many people. Benzema with the Los Blancos won the Champions league and Copa Del Rey and played a major role in the saga. Benzema summed up the industrial side of Real Madrid’s unstoppable trio BBC (Bale, Benzema and Cristiano) as he compromised his striking role for Ronaldo and created many chances for him to score goals. He also had a brilliant world cup where he scored 3 goals and played every game for France. Benzema has scored 8 goals in La Liga and 5 in Champions league in 18 appearances. As mentioned above he is also good at constructing chances as he creates average two chances per game which is a brilliant stat for a number 9 forward. Taking all these stats into account Karim has earned his place in the top 5 forwards list.