Top 5 strikers in the world right now
Records keep tumbling in the Champions League every time you change the channel to have a look.
Come to the Brugge vs PSG match and you would have seen Kylian Mbappe break the record for being the youngest goal scorer to score 15 goals in the UEFA Champions League (a record previously held by Lionel Messi).
Switch to the game at Athens and you'd have seen Robert Lewandowski climb one step closer to the pantheon of all-time great strikers by overtaking Ruud van Nistelrooy to become the fifth highest goal scorer of all time in the UEFA Champions League.
While we are on the topic of goal scorers, what is it that makes an elite striker? Goals, assists, moments of magic? The answer is a little bit of everything if you ask just about anyone out there.
Elite strikers are really rare as a species. More often than not, the list of elite strikers doesn't refresh itself from year to the next. You'd be forgiven if you had to think really hard to find a new name to displace anyone who made the list last year.
With the impending Ballon d'Or award in the weeks to come, there is reason to discuss who could end up on the list of elite strikers this year. And while many would flinch at the omission of a few of their favorites from the list (read: Messi and Mbappe), it is important to bear in mind that we are looking at players who have continuously played as out-and-out strikers rather than as wide forwards.
This list consists of players who have not only maintained a high level of competence while leading the line over the past few years, but are continuing to do so in that exact same position. The list considers pure statistics as well as overall ability, along with performances for both club and country.
Without further ado then, here are the top 5 strikers in the world right now.
#5 Pierre Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a player who hasn't really received his due over the years considering he has chosen to play for clubs that are not really elite clubs at the European stage anymore.
Coming to life in the Jurgen Klopp era at Borussia Dortmund, Aubameyang plundered 40 goals in 45 games for them in the 2016-17 season. He has maintained a superb scoring rate since, scoring at least 20 goals in every season.
However, it is his move to Arsenal that is really getting him some attention as one of the game's better strikers.
The joint winner of the EPL Golden boot last season, in a league that boasts players like Sergio Aguero, Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane amongst others, goes a long way in justifying his ability. That's even more so considering he plays for a team that finished outside of the Champions League qualification spots last season.
Aubameyang's burst of acceleration, lovely touch on the ball and no-nonsense yet deft finishing have earned him enough plaudits to help him make this list. Even this season, he has scored 8 goals in 11 appearances for Arsenal, albeit again for a side that is struggling - which makes his returns all the more awe-inspiring.
Also check out: Champions league top scorers EPL table Champions League table