An analysis of strikers at the World Cup

(This is an article by my first guest blogger Sri Shanker Krishnan. He looks at predatory players who are capable of turning half chances into match winning goals. Every team will have at least one proven striker to score a much needed goal and here is a short list of some of them who can set alight the tournament.)


Who will be the top scorer?

The Cup of Life or simply The World Cup has seen many wonderful players since its inception back in 1930. Goals are the lifeblood of the game, so naturally strikers are adored and worshiped more than anybody else.

With the World Cup looming ever closer I thought of doing a quick analysis of the top strikers who will be playing in the tournament. As in previous World Cups this one too will be seeing some of the best in the business. Personally I think this edition has more exciting and devastating strikers around than the last one or even the one before. Just look at some of the strikers who will be on parade :- Ronaldo, Adriano, Ronaldinho, Tevez, Shevchenko, Nistelrooy, Owen, Drogba…the list goes on. Below is a quick analysis of the strikers who I believe are going to shine :-

Ronaldo – The perennial fat boy of the Brazilian media has certainly had a season to forget at Real Madrid, especially the continuous injuries that he was suffering from. On the bright side all the injuries and his limited playing time at Real means he has had more rest than his team mates thus making him fresher for the tournament. I saw him in Brazil’s friendly against Lucerne and was very impressed with his speed and hunger. He looked really sharp and was quite fast for a man of his size and stature. So much for being fat! He has proven himself in big matches and tournaments – 1998 & 2002 World Cups are enough evidence. Eager to prove himself and is a definite bet to be among the top scorers.
Chances of becoming the top scorer – 7/10.


Adriano – The ‘Emperor’ has had an up and down season at Inter Milan and is definitely a man for the big occasions. Proof – 2004 Copa America and 2005 Confederations Cup. He is young, skilful, fast and aggressive and my personal favorite to be the top scorer. Always does well for the national team and looked ever sharp in the Lucerne friendly. In my view the best left foot in the business currently.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 9/10.


Carlos Tevez – Definitely one of the brightest and hottest young footballers at the moment. For an Argentinian to ply his trade so successfully in Brazil speaks volumes of his mental strength. Although not blessed with height but his stocky built and terrific speed make him a difficult player to mark. He is well supported in an Argentinian team that certainly looks well balanced and destined to go far in the tournament. The only downside for him is that this will be his first World Cup and is not really tested at the big stage yet.
Chance of becoming top scorer – 7/10.


Hernan Crespo – One of the finest headers of the ball in today’s football, he had together with his team a miserable tournament during the last edition in 2002. Has an uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time. Definitely one of the best finishers today and had a fabulous season helping Chelsea to the title. Looks likely to return to Serie A, at least he wants to! He will definitely want to finish the tournament with a bang, what with age not being on his side. With Argentina looking really good, expect him to be there or thereabouts.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 5/10.


Andriy Shevchenko – The most prolific striker today and one of my personal favorites to lighten up the tournament. Unfortunately he is down with injury which is sure to hamper him even if he were to recover in time. For me he is the most complete striker since Marco Van Basten. His positioning, finishing and instincts make him the most feared striker. If for not for the unfortunate injury I expect him to be challenging Adriano for the top scorer’s title. A pity really.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 4/10.


Ruud Van Nistelrooy – This record breaking goal scorer from Manchester United has had a most forgettable season despite scoring 23 goals in the Premiership and will be on the look out to impress potential suitors after his fall out with Sir Alex Ferguson. An excellent finisher and out an out forward, he is fortunate to be in a Dutch team that is blessed with some of the most exciting talents in world football today.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 5/10.


Michael Owen – Has just recovered from the now infamous broken ‘metatarsal’ bone injury, he seems to lack match fitness as evident from his performances in England’s last 2 friendlies. Although he seems to have lost a little speed, he is still a deadly finisher and his goal scoring record for England is phenomenal. I expect him to keep improving as the tournament progresses and if England are to go far he will figure prominently (or is it the other way round!).
Chances of becoming top scorer – 5/10.


Thierry Henry – One fine athlete and a joy to watch, he will be looking to bury his Champions League final disappointment. His main assets are his blistering speed and balance. Though he has not reproduced his club form for his country thus far, I expect him to surprise me this time! This French team is a pale shadow of the 1984 and 1998 teams and have some ageing players which may hinder Henry’s ambitions. Personally I think he should be combined with Louis Saha for France to have a potent strike force.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 4/10.


Miroslav Klose – The home team’s hope and seems to be rediscovering his form after a dry spell for the national team. His height and finishing ability make him a striker to watch for. Had a highly successful 2002 World Cup where he was the Germans top marksman. This previous experience will be of help as his fellow strike partners in the German team are quite young and inexperienced.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 6/10.


Didier Drogba – Not the most prolific of strikers and at times looks clumsy but is good in the air and at holding the ball. He is especially effective playing for his country, Ivory Coast, where he seems to score almost every time he plays for them! Had a very successful African Nations Cup and did very well in steering Chelsea towards the Premiership title. With this being the debut World Cup for Drogba, he will want to show what he can do, especially in a team that for me is the dark horse to go far in the tournament.
Chances of becoming top scorer – 4/10.


Definitely there will be surprises come the start of the tournament. My contenders for darks horses would be :-

Fernando Torres (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Jan Koller (Chezch Rep.), Naohuro Takahara (Japan), Robinho (Brazil) and Luca Toni (Italy)

Here’s hoping for a tournament that will out do the previous one with more joga bonito! Enjoy the Cup Of Life!


(Sri Shanker Krishnan is a Manchester United fan who fervently supports Brazil and the beautiful game.)