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A second-choice striker, also known as a backup striker or substitute striker, is a player who is typically placed behind the first-choice or primary striker in a team's squad hierarchy. The first-choice striker is the preferred option for starting matches and is often considered the focal point of the team's attacking play.
The second-choice striker is usually utilized as a substitute when the first-choice striker is unavailable due to injury, suspension, or tactical adjustments. Their role is to provide depth to the squad, offer a different style of play or tactical approach, and be ready to step in and contribute when needed.
Although they may not always receive as much playing time or enjoy the same status as the first-choice striker, second-choice strikers play a vital role in providing competition and cover in the squad.
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Without further ado, let's take a look at five of the best second-choice strikers in the world right now.
#5 Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid)
Angel Correa has been a second-choice striker at Atletico Madrid this season, behind Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata. He has made 42 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.
Correa has been a valuable member of the squad, coming off the bench to provide a spark in attack. He is a quick and skillful player, who is also good at creating chances for his teammates. Correa has shown that he can be a difference-maker, and he will be hoping to start more games next season.
#4 Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Arsenal signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton & Hove Albion in the January transfer window earlier this year. Trossard has proven to be an impactful signing and his creative qualities in the final third proved to add an extra edge to Arsenal's attack.
Trossard hasn't exactly been among the goals since joining the Gunners but his exquisite technical and creative qualities have definitely helped him have an impact. In 21 appearances in all competitions this season so far for Arsenal, the Frenchman has scored one goal and provided eight assists.
#3 Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
Darwin Nunez was signed by Liverpool last summer for a sum of €80 million. Obviously, the objective was not to make him a second-choice striker.
But the Uruguay international took some time to settle down at the club and was not exactly able to nail down a starting berth in his debut season in the Premier League.
But Nunez has impressed in parts and has done a good job of late. In 42 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool so far this term, he has scored 15 goals and provided four assists.
#2 Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)
Romelu Lukaku fired Inter Milan to the Serie A title in 2020-21 season before re-joining his former club Chelsea that same summer. However, the less said about Lukaku's second stint at Chelsea the better. He was shipped back out on loan to Inter Milan in the summer of 2022.
Lukaku failed to make much of an impact upon his return and his involvement was largely limited due to injuries and fitness issues. However, the big Belgian seems to be back to his best now and has been on fire in recent months.
He has scored six goals and provided four assists in his past eight appearances for the Nerazzurri. Lukaku is effectively Inter's second-choice striker after Lautaro Martinez. The 30-year-old has scored 13 goals and provided six assists in 33 appearances across all competitions for them so far this term.
#1 Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)
Julian Alvarez was one of the standout performers for Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The diminutive and wiry young striker showcased his excellent technical qualities and an unreal amount of composure in the final third, scoring for goals in seven appearances in football's showpiece tournament.
Alvarez joined Manchester City last summer but was always expected to play second-fiddle to the phenomenal Erling Haaland. That's exactly how things have panned out but in Alvarez, City have arguably the best second-choice striker on the planet.
In 47 appearances in all competitions so far this season for Manchester City, Alvarez has scored 17 goals and provided five assists.
