The Top 10 Attackers in Football: Ranking Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi
You just know Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are 1 and 2... but in which order? And who will be joining them to fill the other eight spots?
This list will rank the finest 10 attackers in the world right now, including both wingers, drawn-out forwards and strikers.
This is my last piece on positional rankings, having previously ranked goalkeepers, defenders and midfielders.
So with no further pause, let's get to it.
10. Édinson Cavani
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Why No.10?
Édinson Cavani just might be the best pure number '9' in the World right now. He was absolutely deadly with Napoli last season, netting goals by the minute in Serie A.
The fact he can also play out in the wings just adds value to the terrific player he already is as a pure center forward.
These qualities put him above Mario Gómez, Hulk, Didier Drogba and other strikers that din't quite make this list.
Future:
He just signed for Napoli at a bargain bin €16 million after the buying clause from his loan contract with Palermo was put in action by the southern Italy club.
Transfer Value:
Napoli doesn't sell cheap, and you'd need over €50 million euros to get him.
9. Sergio "El Kun" Aguero
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Why No. 9?
Sergio Agüero edges out Edinson Cavani for number 9 because he's just as deadly as a goal-scorer, but is a better dribbler on the ball.
He might not have the Uruguayan's aerial prowess, but what he lacks in the air, he more than compensated for his skill when the ball is in his feet.
The only thing that makes Kun stay at number nine is that he is very inconsistent. One day, he's undisputed top five in the world, but the next, you might want to take him out of the Top 30 altogether.
Future:
He wants out of Atlético, so if his €45 million transfer is met, you will see him in a new club soon.
Transfer Value:
He's worth exactly €45 million. Pay that, and he's yours.
8. David Villa
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Why No.8?
David Villa beats Sergio Agüero because he's just as deadly. A bit worse dribbling, but surpasses Kun dramatically when passing the ball and combinations with his teammates.
Barça loves him for that, and he also adds his magnificent work ethic while pressing forward to fit in magnificently as a winger for the Blaugrana.
Future:
He's turning 30 soon, so it seems he will see his career out as a Culé.
Transfer Value:
€50 million would convince Barcelona to look the other way, though.
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7. Arjen Robben
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Why No.7?
Arjen Robben is the best pure winger in Football. Why? Because he's the best dribbler playing there, that's why.
He might be the only one who has skills that are close to Ronaldo and Messi in that regard.
He's not as deadly as the three previous names on this list, but he's way more dangerous on the wings.
The fact that he's wasteful lands him number 7 on this list.
Future:
He likes it with Bayern, and nobody seems to be interested in him, so he just might stay there for a while.
Transfer Value:
€45 million could get you the premium winger you're searching for.
6. Carlos Tevez
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Why No. 6?
Carlos Tevez is just as lethal as the men before him on this list, but he's hardworking to the bone.
Not to say the Argentinian isn't talented, but his work ethic and intensity see him climb lots of spots on this list.
Future:
He wants out of Man City. And when Tevez wants out, he wants out.
Transfer Value:
€50 million and he's yours, according to Sheikh Mansour.
5. Wayne Rooney
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Why No. 5?
Another hard-working forward, Wayne Rooney is a better player overall than Tevez, so he lands a spot above him on this list.
Rooney has probably become the most complete forward in the world, both scoring goals and assisting them, while helping out in defense and creating from the midfield.
It's hard to find a player that contributes in so many areas to his team as Wayne does with Manchester United.
Future:
He re-signed with the Red Devils last season. But since he's Rooney, he could jump ship any minute now.
Transfer Value:
Nothing short of €70 million would convince Sir Alex to let him leave.
4. Samuel Eto'o
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Why No. 4?
Samuel Eto'o wanted to be the top man at Barcelona, but he was given the boot.
Now he's the top man at Inter, and the indomitable lion has paid off for the neriazzurri.
His great season, both assisting and scoring for the Biscione, puts him above Rooney in a really tight battle.
Eto'o would definitely think he should be number one on this list, though.
But then again, from here on out, every player will.
Future:
He seems happy in Milan, but he could crave a move to the Premier League to finish out his magnificent career.
Transfer Value:
€40 million could get you one of the world's best players.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Why No.3?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has the talent (and the ego) to compete with Messi and Ronaldo for the top spot.
But Zlatan's ego is not always a good thing, and his poor effort keeps him out of the battle for the top spot altogether.
That said, his exquisite technique on the ball and the power his 1.95 meters frame gives him puts him above Eto'o and any other player on this list with ease.
When Zlatan wants to be the best, he just is.
The problem is, he knows this all too well.
Future:
Milan loves him and has handed him the spotlight. As long as they love Zlatan, he'll love them back.
Transfer Value:
Is he worth €49 million plus Eto'o, or €24 million? Frankly, I'm confused, so you decide.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo
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Why No. 2?
Sorry, Cristiano!
You're clearly in the top. Just not the top one.
In any other point in history, he'd be the best day in and day out. He could even let himself under-perform and still top the other players in this list.
But Barça and a certain Argentinian's performance must get on the Portuguese's nerves every single day.
He's still clear cut number two, if it's any good.
Future:
He'll be at Madrid until he wins it all. That's Cristiano's way. Any move away from Real would be absolutely mind-blowing.
Transfer Value:
He was worth €97 million a few seasons ago. And he's even better now.
1. Lionel Messi
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Why No.1?
Lionel Messi is the top player in the world. Hands down.
I'm sorry if anyone really thought I could give Ronaldo the top spot, but Messi's unstoppable right now (at least with Barça).
If he keeps it up, he'll be the best for quite some time.
Well, yeah.
Future:
He's a Barcelona player until he dies or they find someone better.
Transfer Value:
I'll start the bidding at €200 million. Who gives more?
Other Positional Rankings:
11 of 11Here are the complete positional rankings I've done.
Top 10 Midfielders
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