Giuseppe Rossi to Mirko Vucinic : 25 Strikers to Watch in Europe's Top Leagues

Another summer of transfer activity has seen countless names linked with moves abroad. Yet for football fans across the world, it's the transfers of big name strikers that often court the most interest.

Whether it is Andy Carroll moving to Liverpool or Samuel Eto'o departing for Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, it seems that strikers provide the best stories,

With that in mind, here are 25 strikers based in Europe's top leagues that are our ones to watch in 2011.

Giuseppe Rossi: Villarreal

Back at the start of August, Villarreal star Giuseppe Rossi finally committed his future to the Yellow Submarines, quashing rumours of a potential move to Turin with Juventus.

"I have been at Villarreal for four years and I've never had a problem," Rossi explained "I'm totally focused on the new season as are all my team-mates and soon we have the Champions League play-off to contend with and there's no need to stress how important that is."

If Villarreal does progress to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League, Rossi will at last get a chance to grace Europe's premier stage.

It's been a long time coming too, after Rossi watched on as Manchester United reserve, featuring twice in the 2005-2006 campaign.

Now, aged 24, he's coming off the back of his best season yet with 18 goals in La Liga and a further 15 goals in the Europa League.

Should he enjoy another fruitful campaign, the next transfer offer may be an offer that the Italian American simply cannot refuse.

Radamel Falcao: Porto

Radamel Falcao enjoyed a memorable campaign for Porto under Andre Villas Boas.

Yet whilst his former Porto manager may have departed to Chelsea in the summer, Falcao has remained with Porto, seemingly keen to launch an assault on the UEFA Champions League.

Should the Dragons squad stay together, Falcao could enjoy another prolific season.

Last year saw Falcao set a new record for goalscoring in a single European campaign, smashing Jurgen Klinsmann's previous record of 15 goals with an astonishing 16 goals in 18 games. 

In two seasons in Portugal, Falcao has managed 41 goals in 51 games. A skilful finisher with excellent aerial ability, Falcao is as near to the complete package as you will find.

Should any of the European giants be struggling for goals come January, don't be surprised to see a move for the 25-year-old.

Javier Hernandez: Manchester United

When Alex Ferguson signed the man dubbed Chicharito in the build up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, few could have expected the impact the little Mexican would have in the following campaign.

Used primarily as an impact sub last year, Javier Hernandez grabbed 13 league goals from 27 league appearances, most of which came from the bench.

It was enough to see the 23 year old usurp former England International Michael Owen and, to an extent, Bulgarian star Dimitar Berbatov in the United strikers pecking order.

In Europe too, Hernandez made an impact, most memorably grabbing a late winner for Manchester United during a potentially difficult away tie with La Liga side Valencia.

The summer has proved eventful for Chicharito who starred for Mexico during the 2011 Gold Cup, with his haul of seven goals earning him the top scorer award as well as the most valuable player of the tournament award.

Now, a year into his Premier League career, yet even more will be expected of Hernandez. Let's hope he does not disappoint.

Giampaolo Pazzini: Inter Milan

Whilst Leonardo's brief tenure as Inter Milan boss will be remembered for the Nerazzurri's brief fight back in the Serie A title race, along with a Coppa Italia trophy, his time should also be noted for the shrewd signing of Giampaolo Pazzini of Sampdoria.

Up until then, Pazzini had been something of an unknown quantity, having made his name at Atalanta before moving to Fiorentina, where the goals seemed to dry up for the once prolific frontman.

Pazzini had made headlines on the Under 21 international stage, following a sensational hat trick for the Italian team during a friendly with England, which marked the inaugural match of the new Wembley stadium.

A move to Sampdoria in 2009 proved to be the beginning of something special, as the striker dubbed "the Madman" came good with 36 goals in 71 games saw il Blucerchiati qualify for the Champions League.

It didn't last though and Sampdoria who were then relegated to Serie B. sold off Pazzini, along with strike partner Antonio Cassano.

Purchased by Leonardo, many expected the Cassano-less Pazzini to struggle. However, in just 17 games, Pazzini hit the ground running with 11 goals.

Now in his first season in the San Siro and with the prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League, the real test begins.

Kevin Gameiro: Paris Saint Germain

Something of an unknown quantity outside of his native France, Kevin Gameiro is arguably Les Bleus best kept secret.

After all, the diminutive striker has played at almost every level for France, having turned out for the under 18, under 20 and under 21 national team as well as the full national side.

The truth is that Gameiro has been arguably one of the French Ligue Un's most consistent strikers with one of the most unfashionable sides around in Lorient.

Offering up an average of nearly 1 goal every 2 games, there was little surprise when a whole host of clubs from across Europe came knocking for the 24 year old.

Valencia looked most likely to land the star, until Gameiro got a call from Paris Saint German. Days after scoring his first goal for the French international team, Paris Saint German signed up Gameiro for €11 million.

With the Ligue Un title and Europa League top priorities, we may not have heard the last of this Frenchman.

Luis Suarez: Liverpool

When Liverpool paid Ajax £22.8 million for Luis Suarez, some on Anfield remained skeptical about the purchase. After all, Ryan Babel had previously been purchased from the Dutch giants to much fanfare only to prove a shadow of his Eredivisie self.

Fortunately, a man of the match performance against Manchester United soon persuaded any doubters that Suarez was the real deal and the Uruguayan has gone from strength to strength ever since.

This summer brought yet more success for the 24 year old, as the forward enjoyed another tournament to remember for Uruguay and the sky blues captured the Copa America in Argentina.

Prone to occasional moments of madness, like the famous biting incident for Ajax or the handball save for Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup, Luis Suarez is undoubtedly one to watch this year, as he hopes to return Liverpool to Europe's top table in style.

Gonzalo Higuain: Real Madrid

When Higuain was diagnosed with a herniated lumbar disc in his back last December, it was telling that Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho was sent into a panic despite the presence of first team attackers like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and the returning Kaka.

That was because, for the last couple of seasons, Higuain had been the main man for Los Blancos, notching up 27 goals in 32 La Liga games in the 2009 - 2010 season alone.

Without Higuain, Real Madrid surrendered the La Liga title, and lost out in Europe. 

Now back to full fitness and evidently part of Jose Mourinho's plans for the club, Higuain is out help Los Blancos return to their former glory days.

Another season of goals aplenty may await. 

Mario Gotze: Borussia Dortmund

Though Gotze operates primarily on the wing, the pace and skill of this youngster makes him a striker worth watching this campaign.

Bundesliga winner and key figure for Borussia Dortmund last season, Gotze is unbelievably still only 19 years old.

The latest product of an ever increasing line of young emerging German talent, Gotze combines electric pace with excellent close control.

Already capped by Germany at full international level, the best could be yet to come from this prodigious German talent. Fortunately, fans around the world will be able to get a glimpse of this exciting youngster in action during the UEFA Champions League with Borussia Dortmund.

Playing as part of Jurgen Klopp's swash buckling side, this could be Gotze's season.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: AC Milan

Unwanted at Barcelona, Ibrahimovic stepped up to the mark at AC Milan to help deliver the Rossoneri's first Scudetto since the 2004-2005 season.

The giant Swede continues to divide opinion though, with some heralding Ibrahimovic as one of the true greats of the game whilst other's point to the way in which he seemingly goes missing during crunch European ties.

Ibrahimovic has a habit of proving his doubters wrong and though many labelled his time at the Nou Camp with Barcelona something of a failure, 16 goals in 29 games tells a different story.

At 29, Zlatan should be at the peak of his powers and ultimately it may well take a memorable campaign both domestically and Europe to finally silence the critics.

The man dubbed "the new Van Basten" upon his arrival in Italy may just need to follow the Dutchman's lead and deliver another European cup to the San Siro.

At the very least, Diavolo fans will hope he can build on an excellent first season which saw 14 goals in 28 games along with the usual magic associated with the man dubbed Ibra-cadabra

Bayern Munich: Mario Gomez

When Miroslav Klose opted to sign for Serie A side Lazio this summer, he did so knowing that his chances of breaking into the Bayern Munich first team were all but over.

Yet, this realisation did not come about because Bayern had brought in another goalscorer to the Allianz arena, but rather another finally emerged from the shadows.

German footballer of the year in the 2006-2007 Bundesliga campaign,Mario Gomez was signed to much fanfare and much expense with Bayern paying Stuttgart 35 million euros.

The hefty price tag clearly weighed heavy on Gomez's conscience with the striker scoring an average 10 goals in 29 matches as Bayern Munich swept to the Bundesliga title.

However, as things began to fall apart for coach Louis Van Gaal and Bayern last season, Gomez went from strength to strenght.

In 32 games the 26-year-old registered 28 goals - a feat which may have gained more acclaim had it not been for the efforts of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Juventus were reportedly keen on the star but Gomez, now established for Bayern Munich, opted to stay. With wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben providing the supply line, expect more goals to follow.

Fernando Torres: Chelsea

Rarely a day goes by without Fernando Torres featuring in the English press with rumours of discontent, loss of form and even a move away.

In truth, little else can be expected given the nature of Fernando Torres's £50 million transfer to Chelsea from rivals Liverpool.

Enduring a barren spell for the Londoners at the back end of last season, many commented on Torres's loss of form may prove a more permanent one, despite flashes of the once prolific Premier League star.

Following a summer of rest and reflection though, Torres is likely to be keen to prove his doubters wrong and start repaying some of the money Blues owner Roman Abramovich invested in the club.

Whatever the case, Fernando Torres will make for fascinating viewing this term.

Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid

Last season's record haul of 51 goals saw Ronaldo overtake Ferenc Puskas's record of 49 goals in a single season for Real Madrid, setting a new club and La Liga record.

Yet now the test for Cristiano Ronaldo is how to follow up a record breaking season. For the Portuguese star, the answer is undoubtedly by bringing the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles he was signed for.

However, a start may be to introduce more "team play" to his repertoire, with some fans accusing him of lacking the same work ethic of the likes of Mezut Ozil.

Whatever the case, Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be seeking to improve on an incredible season for Los Blancos which will make for interesting viewing.

Arguably one of the greatest players of his or any other generation, the opportunity to see Ronaldo in action makes him an automatic choice for one to watch.

Lionel Messi: Barcelona

The new Maradona or simply the one and only Lionel Messi? Whilst such debates may rage on, Messi continues to go from strength to strength.

Last season may have only brought a "paltry" 31 goals in La Liga, but his tally of 18 assists in the league was perhaps more telling as the Argentine picked up the coveted Ballon d'or award.

12 goals in 13 Champions League appearances also saw Messi become only the third man to be named top scorer in the European cup for three consecutive seasons.

A season littered with outstanding performances provided highlights such as his role in the 5-0 demolition of Real Madrid and the European Cup final against Manchester United.

Just 24 and already a modern great, this could be another campaign to enter into Barcelona legend for Lionel Messi.

Wayne Rooney: Manchester United

Last season saw Wayne Rooney suffering from the after effects of injury and a difficult World Cup.

Prior to the tournament in South Africa, Rooney had notched up 26 goals in 32 Premier League matches for Manchester United yet in the season that followed he provided a more modest 11 in 28 games.

Difficult contract negotiations, allegations about his private life and niggling injuries were all blamed for the drop off at the time, but now months on the England star will undoubtedly be keen to return to the kind of form that had some comparing him alongside the likes of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Already off the mark in the Premier League and keen to avenge Manchester United's defeat at the hands of Barcelona in Europe, Rooney is likely to be back to his rage fuelled best this campaign.

Edinson Cavani: Napoli

Napoli's rise from Europa League also rans to Serie A contenders and Champions League qualifiers may have had it's foundations in the likes of Marek Hamsik but the Neapolitan's campaign would have derailed on more than one occasion had it not been for the goals of Edinson Cavani.

Signed on an initial loan deal from Sicilian club Palermo, few people expected Cavani to explode into Serie A life in quite the way he has.

In 35 games, the Uruguayan scored 26 goals, earning the award for top scorer in Serie A and guiding Napoli to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the Diego Maradona led team lost to Spartak Moscow on penalties.

Despite interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Napoli were able to hold on to Cavani and will be hoping that the 6-foot 2-inch front man can continue in his rich vein of scoring form.

Fabio Quagliarella: Juventus

One of the few Italians to emerge from the 2010 World Cup debacle with their reputation enhanced, Fabio Quagliarella has long been on the fringes of greatest for club and country alike.

Signed from on an initial loan from Napoli by Juventus, things started well for the creative striker at the Old Lady, until a serious anterior cruciate ligament knee injury ended his campaign and with it Juventus's realistic pursuit of the top four.

Nevertheless, 9 goals in 17 appearances were enough to convince Juventus of Quagliarella's worth, and the 28 year old was signed on a permanent deal.

Once the target of Manchester United, Quagliarella has built a reputation for extraordinary goals in Italy and with Juventus rebuilding its squad for yet another assault on the Serie A table, things are looking up for the star.

Bojan Krkic: Roma

When Bojan Krkic left Barcelona for Roma as part of a unique two-year loan deal, he did so with something of a point to prove.

After all, a stunning youth career with the Catalans had seen Krkic mentioned by many as the man to fit into the Barcelona team alongside Lionel Messi.

Unfortunately for Bojan, current coach Pep Guardiola was not one of those men and the youngster subsequently saw his playing time reduced under the Spaniard.

"As a fan, Guardiola is the best coach in the world, but personal things that have happened to me were hurtful," Bojan upon his departure. "He was not fair with me on several occasions, and this is one of the reasons that I decided to leave."

Now working under Luis Enrique at the newly invigorated AS Roma, Bojan Krkic will be keen to prove his doubters wrong with a glut of goals for his new employers.

Featuring in a team including the likes of Daniel De Rossi and the legendary Francesco Totti, things could be interesting in the Italian capital this term.

Gervinho: Arsenal

When Lille swept to a league and cup double in France last year, European scouts flocked to Belgian star Eden Hazard as the man to watch for the newly crowned French Champions.

Others pointed to the contribution from striker Moussa Sow who grabbed 25 goals in 36 games.

Yet neither of these players would have gained quite the acclaim they received had it not been for the hard work of another forward, Gervinho.

15 goals and 10 assists last year gives a good indication of Gervinho's talents both facing goal and with his back to it. Quick, direct and capable of finishing, Arsenal promptly snapped up Gervinho.

With the likes of Sami Nasri and Cesc Fabregas departing, the 24- year-old Ivorian could be the Gunners new hero, should he adapt to the Premier League. 

Pablo Piatti: Valencia

A few eyebrows were raised when cash strapped Valencia paid €7,5 million for the 22-year-old former Almeria star.

After all, Piatti had just been relegated with lowly Almeria scoring few goals. Despite this, coach Unai Emery was adamant about signing up the 22 year old star.

More a provider of goals than a finisher, Valencia will undoubtedly be keen to turn Piatti into their own little Lionel Messi in due time.

For now though, his combination of lightning pace and skill could make him one to watch this term. 

Andre Gignac: Marseille

When Andre Pierre Gignac signed for Marseille from Toulouse, expectations for success were high amongst the fans and staff alike. 

After all, Gignac had scored an impressive 34 goals in 98 games for previous club Toulouse. 

Despite this, Andre Pierre Gignac registered only 8 goals in 30 games to leave the striker some way short of the standard expected.

His worst moment came during Marseille's second leg second round tie against Manchester United. Presented with an easy chance to knock the Reds out, Gignac fluffled his shot and the French side were out.

Now back and keen to make amends, Gignac will be hoping to spearhead Marseille's assault on the league and in Europe.

Sergio Aguero: Manchester City

With the image of Carlos Tevez fading fast, Sergio Aguero has made an immediately positive impact on his club Manchester City.

His half hour cameo against Swansea saw the Argentine score two and set up another in a lung busting performance to rival his counterpart Tevez.

A Europa League winner with experience in La Liga and on the international stage, current boss Roberto Mancini has already hailed Aguero as "the new Romario"

Should Aguero bring the style of play that proved popular amongst Atletico Fans and the striker could be leading Manchester City to major honours this campaign.

Fernando Llorente: Athletic Bilbao

The tall broad frame of Fernando Llorente is something of a rare breed in today's game, offering the same mix of skill and brute force once seen in a young Alan Shearer.

For years Llorente was something of an outsider, having played his whole career with Basque club Athletic Bilbao. Now, age 26, and a major part of the Spanish national squad, the time has come for Llorente to make a real impact.

18 goals in 38 games proved to be his best haul last season  and the striker has been linked with a move to Barcelona along with other big names following a string of excellent performances..

For now though, Llorente remains in Bilbao though a move to a larger Spanish side remains a possibility. 

Mario Balotelli: Manchester City

A difficult first season in England for Mario Balotelli saw headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Yet Manchester City fans will undoubtedly cling onto his FA Cup final performance, as hope of what may lurk underneath Balotelli's difficult exterior.

For now though, the time for discussion is over with Balotelli as the striker looks to justify his generous price tag last year.

Aged just 2-years-old, Balotelli could prove key to Manchester City capturing the title.

Blessed with a rocket of a shot and some excellent finishing skills, this is a make or break campaign for Balotelli who could become one of the leading figures in the sky blue revolution. 

David Villa: Barcelona

Critics, of mostly Real Madrid endorsing kind, were quick to point to David Villa's first season with Barcelona as something of an average one.

However, 18 goals in 34 games is a more than adequate haul from Villa, who operated on the left wing of Barcelona's attack.

That said, the Spaniard is no doubt looking to improve on those stats and go some way to catching up with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite boasting a similar goals to games ratio to Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona, Villa has a tendancy for delivering goals on the big stage, whether it be for Spain at the World Cup or Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final.

Quick on the ball and with excellent finishing skills, David Villa has won every major honour in world football today. Now all that's left is the Ballon d'or - an outside bet for the award?

Mirko Vucinic: Juventus

Mirko Vucinic's transfer to Juventus has been arguably one of the most controversial of the summer.

After nearly 150 games for the Romans, Vucinic has moved to Juventus for €15 million. Once linked with summer moves to Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, Vucinic opted to travel north and play with one of Italian football's three big teams.

“I’m happy. It’s what I wanted,” Vucinic explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Now 27 and at Juventus, the pressure is on for Vucinic to deliver goals and flair to a sometime pedestrian Juventus team. 

Previously boasting a ratio of one goal every three games, the Montenegrin is set for a crucial role this season.