By Chrysanthus Ikeh
With the 2014 World Cup set to kick off in Brazil on Thursday, June 12, 2014, here are the top 10 strikers to watch out for:
Lionel Messi
The Argentine forward, who has won world best player of the year for 4 consecutive years (2009-2012), is no doubt an undisputed leader within his team. The Barcelona star will be looking forward to end a twenty eight year wait for the world cup trophy.
Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portuguese footballer, who plays for Spanish club Real Madrid, will lead his national team at the world cup. The 2013 Ballon d’ Or title holder, who played a major role in his club’s Champion’s League trophy win last month, has scored 49 goals for his national team and will be looking forward to more success at the World Cup.
Luis Suarez
The Uruguay forward who plays for English club Liverpool is the all-time leading scorer for his national team with 35 goals. Suarez was named best player in England last season with thirty one (31) goals, and helped his club qualify for the champion’s league next season. He missed Uruguay’s World cup warm up matches due to injuries, but has promised to make a quick recovery to help hi country secure the trophy.
Sergio Agüero
The Argentine forward will be supporting Lionel Messi upfront to end the country’s twenty eight year wait for the World cup trophy.The Manchester city forward became the youngest player to debut in the Argentine Primera División at 15 years old, breaking the record previously established by Diego Maradona at the age of 16 in 1976.
Miroslav Klose
The German footballer is currently the only striker representing Germany at the World Cup. Klose plays for Italian club Lazio in the Serie A. With 69 goals in 132 matches, he is currently Germany’s all-time top scorer, having beaten the record previously held by Gerd Müller.
Mario Mandzukic
The Croatian footballer who plays as a striker for Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga is a prolific striker known for tracking back and off-the-ball play
Diego Costa
The Spanish forward is a big threat in Brazil. The Atletico Madrid striker was the third highest goal scorer, with 27 goals in the Spanish La Liga last season, helping his club win the League. Despise worries over a hamstring injury, the striker has promised to be strong for the tournament. Costa is known for his accuracy, Strength and energy.
Mario Balottelli
The Italian born striker and immigrants from Ghana is the only black player in the Italy squad in Brazil, he is known as an Agile, quick and powerful player, The AC Milian forward is also credited with pace, strength, and technical ability. He hopes to lift the World cup in Brazil for the first time.
Van Persie
The Netherlands striker is currently all time leading scorer with a whooping total of fourth three (43) international goals. The Manchester forward is no doubt an exceptional dribbling striker with skills and also a talented striker of the ball.
Daniel Sturridge
The England striker, who is currently in his pace, is expected to boost his team with his striking force at the world cup in Brazil. The Liverpool forward who was the second highest goal scorer in English premier league is an extremely quick player known for his accurate shots on ball and techniques
