Ronaldo Crowned as the Best Finisher in History!
Football fans and experts alike constantly debate over who the best player in history is, especially in terms of converting scoring opportunities. FourFourTwo, a leading British football magazine, has recently thrown its hat into the ring by compiling a list of the top 32 past and present footballers renowned for their exceptional finishing skills.
Topping this prestigious list? None other than the Portuguese maestro, Cristiano Ronaldo!
The Elite Top 5
According to FourFourTwo's analysis, the top five finishers in the history of football are:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (🥇): CR7's agility, speed, and unyielding determination make him a force to be reckoned with. Known for his powerful shots and towering headers, Ronaldo's ability to convert goals in crucial moments has won him accolades, trophies, and a spot at the top of this list.
- Lionel Messi (🥈): Often juxtaposed with Ronaldo in the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) discussions, Messi's inclusion comes as no surprise. His low center of gravity, dribbling capabilities, and precise finishing make him a menace for any defense. Whether it's a curling free-kick or a neat finish after dribbling past multiple defenders, Messi's proficiency in front of the goal is unparalleled.
- Erling Haaland (🥉): The young Norwegian striker has taken the football world by storm in recent years. Haaland's clinical finishing and ability to score from almost any position have earned him a rightful place among these elites. His rapid ascent in European football promises an exciting future, with many already speculating that he might dominate the sport in the coming decade.
- Gerd Müller (🏅): Nicknamed "Der Bomber," Müller was a goal-scoring machine during his time. The German striker was known for his incredible reflexes and knack for being at the right place at the right time. His record for the most goals in a calendar year stood for nearly four decades until Messi broke it in 2012.
- Ferenc Puskás (🏅): A legendary figure in football history, the Hungarian forward was a key player for both Hungary and Real Madrid during his prime. With a lethal left foot and a vision for the spectacular, Puskás scored numerous memorable goals, including the one that earned him the accolade of "Goal of the Century."
Analysis and Critique
The FourFourTwo list has already sparked numerous debates among fans and pundits. While many agree with Ronaldo's position at the top, given his consistent performances across various leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and now potentially in the MLS, others believe Messi's genius should give him the edge. Additionally, the inclusion of young talents like Haaland alongside legends like Müller and Puskás showcases the dynamic nature of football and how newer generations are rising to the challenge.
Influence of Modern Metrics
Modern football heavily relies on analytics, and this list is no exception. Beyond the eye test, footballers today are judged based on a plethora of metrics, including but not limited to expected goals (xG), shot conversion rate, and big chance conversion. These stats play a pivotal role in determining a player's efficiency and clinical nature in front of the goal.
Global Reactions
The news has already gone viral on social media platforms, with fans from all over the world sharing their opinions. Several past footballers, including some who made the list, have expressed their gratitude and humility.
Gary Lineker, a former English striker and current broadcaster, tweeted, "In a world where Ronaldo and Messi exist, being a striker was never easy. This list from @FourFourTwo is a testament to the art of finishing. Kudos to all!"
