5 biggest match-winners in world football currently

Winning is considered a priority when two football teams lock horns on the pitch. With both sides sharing the same ambition of going home with a victory, it all comes down to who wants it more or who has the better players. Most importantly, who has the players who can decide the fate of the match all on their own.

Match winners are the most important set of players any football team can have. This is because they are capable of making sure victory is achieved even when their teams fail to impress. Creating clear-cut chances, scoring vital goals and setting up their teammates in the most critical moments, these players surely deserve recognition for their exploits.

The football world is blessed with many incredible players who are proving to be difference makers for club and country at the moment. In a bid to honor them, we've decided to rank the five biggest match winners in the sport currently.

#5 Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian is off to a brilliant start this season

Mohamed Salah has been a huge force to reckon with in Liverpool's attack since joining the Reds from Roma in the summer of 2017. Considering all he's given the club in the last few seasons, his €42 million transfer fee now looks like a steal.

The Egyptian is currently one of the most prolific finishers in world football. He consistently provides answers in front of goal as Liverpool continue to push for glory.

Salah has entered the new campaign on a brilliant note, bagging five goals and two assists for the Reds in five appearances across all competitions. Thanks to his influence, Jurgen Klopp's men are tied with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table, with 13 points.

#4 Erling Haaland

The striker has shocked the football world with his brilliant displays over the last two seasons

Despite being just 21 years old, Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland ranks among the top match winners in world football. The striker continues to be a huge threat in front of goal, tearing opposition defenses apart and making goalkeepers look helpless.

Haaland has arguably been the most decisive footballer in European football so far this season. The Norwegian has an impressive record of 11 goals and four assists to his name in eight appearances for the BVB across all competitions.

Last term, the attacker finished as the top scorer in the Champions League with 10 goals in just eight games. He's returned to the tournament on a brilliant note this season, scoring once to help Dortmund claim a 2-1 victory in their opening clash with Benfica last week.

#3 Robert Lewandowski

Football's most dangerous striker at the moment

Robert Lewandowski has battled the most influential superstars in the game over the last few years and established himself at the top of the football world. The Bayern Munich striker is one player every opposition defender in Europe would like to avoid.

Lewandowski recently claimed the European Golden Shoe for his prolific outing last season, which produced 41 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances. It was a record-breaking performance as he surpassed the late Gerd Muller for most goals in one season.

He's returned with a bang this term as he continues with his match-winning performances for the Bavarians.

The Polish forward has recorded 11 goals to his name so far, with seven coming in the Bundesliga, two in the Champions League and two in the DFL-Supercup. As he continues to fire on all cylinders, only time will tell how many goals he will end the season with.

#2 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is a match winner like no other footballer

Lionel Messi needs no introduction. The Argentine has been one of the most dominant footballers in the world over the last two decades. Whether it is to score goals, set up his teammates or produce that killer pass that leads to something, the playmaker simply can't stop deciding the fate of matches.

That was clearly on display when he entered the Copa America to represent his nation this summer. Apart from leading Argentina to triumph, Lionel Messi ran riot in the tournament. He finished with the most goals and assists as well as being named player of the tournament.

The attacker is still adapting to life in Ligue 1 after joining Paris Saint-Germain last month. But you can't afford to write off a man who has bagged a massive 672 goals and 301 assists at club level so far in his football career.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

One of the most decisive players in world football

Arguably the greatest goalscorer in history, Cristiano Ronaldo's reputation as the most decisive footballer on the planet right now is non-debatable. The Portuguese joined Manchester United for the second time this summer and he's spent the last few weeks reminding the Premier League of his class.

Ronaldo made his second debut appearance for the Red Devils against Newcastle United, scoring twice to inspire a 4-1 triumph. He followed it up with another effort in the Champions League clash with the Young Boys last week before scoring once again at the weekend.

Thanks to the attacker's decisive performances, Manchester United are now dreaming of claiming silverware this season. They currently rank third in the Premier League table, behind the top spot just on goal difference.