Why Manchester City's Sergio Aguero Is the Complete Modern Centre-Forward

One of the few genuine bright spots of Manchester City’s season was the form of striker Sergio Aguero, who continued to demonstrate he is one of the world’s very best players.

In an era containing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo—two of the greatest players ever to play the game—Aguero is staking a claim to be considered the finest talent outside of the two standout players of this generation.

To underline his growing status among the world’s elite, Aguero managed a better goals-per-minute ratio than Neymar, Messi, Ronaldo and Luis Suarez last season, a clear example of his unerring brilliance in front of goal. There have been few players in the history of the game who have shown such fearlessness in the box.

He scored 32 goals in all competitions last season, including 26 in the league, enough to see him collect the Premier League’s Golden Boot award. Once again, it was often the clinical nature of his finishing that was most impressive. He leaves goalkeepers with no chance—such is the accuracy with which he finds the corner of the net.

The power he generates from minimal backlift is remarkable. His goal in the win away at Sunderland in December was a wonderful example of this. He burst past one defender and, a split second later, the ball had flown into the top corner of the net past Costel Pantilimon from 16 yards. The former City goalkeeper barely had time to dive before the ball sailed past him.

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He scored a similar goal away at Chelsea in October 2013. Out of seemingly nothing, he unleashed an unstoppable shot with his left foot that flew past Petr Cech at his near post. On first viewing, many may have felt Cech was culpable, but closer inspection showed the element of surprise and the power of the shot left him helpless.

But it isn’t just powerful long-range strikes Aguero scores. The variety of goals he manages is what really sets him apart from many of his rivals.

The speed with which he jumped to his feet to score from a rebound away at Newcastle United on the opening day of the most recent campaign was staggering. The goal he scored from an impossible angle at home to Liverpool in the 2-2 draw in 2013, arguably his best for the club, defied logic. He even managed a header in the 2013 FA Cup semi-final win over Chelsea. 

Clearly, Aguero has a thirst for goals. He rarely goes into hiding and consistently comes to life in the final third. He managed nine more shots than any other player in the Premier League last season, which is remarkable given he missed 10 matches at various points through injury.

Over the past three seasons, he’s scored 21 goals in 23 games against the other so-called Big Six Premier League sides—Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Like all great players, the big occasion seems to bring out the very best in Aguero, and City can rely on him when they need him most.

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He became the quickest to reach 100 goals for City in all competitions, and he has been their top scorer every season since his arrival in 2011. There's now little doubt he is the best striker to have ever played in City blue.

It all started with a blistering 30-minute cameo at home to Swansea City. He scored two goals and brilliantly assisted another in a debut that set the tone for the rest of his time at City. He’s scored or assisted 102 goals in 120 league games since moving to Manchester from Atletico Madrid. His contribution in vital areas cannot be overstated.

He also brings searing pace to a side badly lacking it. He is at his best when playing as high up the field as possible, on the shoulder of the last defender ready to run in behind. Over 10 yards, there are few quicker in the Premier League. Add to that his low centre of gravity and balance, and you’re left with the archetypal No. 9.

City have in their midst one of the great players in world football. Aguero is probably the best out-and-out striker on the planet, and ensuring he stays at the club and is given the opportunity to compete for the Champions League will be the club’s immediate priority.

At 27, his best years are arguably still to come, and City know they have to prove they can offer him the platform he deserves. Winning domestic trophies is one thing; becoming a dominant Champions League side is quite another. Aguero deserves to be consistently competing for the game's most glittering prizes.

He’s the club’s biggest asset, both on and off the field, and this summer’s transfer spend will be all about supplementing his talents with the best players in other positions to make sure City are once again challenging for silverware next season.

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and follows the club from a Manchester base. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter: @RobPollard.