Why Luis Suarez is the best striker in the world today

Chances Created

At the top of the pile, once again, is Suárez, having created 61 chances for the rest of his team-mates to score. The former Ajax striker is proving to be an absolute menace for opposition defences this season by harassing players, scoring, turning provider and just generally asserting his relentless presence on any team he faces.

Chances created so far

In second place is former St. Pauli striker Kruse (58) – currently the most creative player in the Bundesliga – with Ibrahimovi? (48), Tevez (45) and Messi (35) at the lower end of the scale. Barcelona’s flamboyant forward will do well to match his total of 45 from the 2012/13 La Liga campaign (in which he made 32 appearances), due to his extended period on the sidelines this season.

Successful Take-ons

If attempting, and failing, to pass through human barricades constructed in front of goal, the ability to beat an opposing player is a great attribute for any player to have in their arsenal. Sometimes the extra yard of space gained by skipping past a committed defender, followed by a pinpoint cross from the byline, can be essential in unlocking the tightest and deepest of defences.

In this respect, Messi stands head and shoulders above the competition. The 26-year-old has completed an average of 5.7 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, effortlessly twisting and turning his way past players with ankles that seem to rotate 360 degrees.

Successful take-ons

Kruse is also impressive, managing to beat his opposite man four times per match on average, whereas Suárez (2.92) and Tevez (1.96) fall some way behind. At the bottom of the pack is Paris Saint-Germain’s Ibrahimovi? (0.97), who is better known for his aerial dominance and physical strength, than his ability to dribble into space.

Tackles

With the growing trend of teams looking to press further up the pitch, on the front foot, it makes sense for strikers to become well-rounded individuals, encompassing as many positive attributes as possible, including the ability to tackle.

Under Brendan Rodgers, Suárez has make 20 successful tackles in the Premier League this season within a tactical framework centred on quick turnovers and rapid transition from defence to attack.

Tackles

Elsewhere, Tevez has completed 17 tackles for Juventus in Serie A, Messi and Kruse have completed 10 tackles, and Ibrahimovi? has only completed nine tackles in Ligue 1. A low total, but you know what you’re going to get with Ibrahimovi?, and intense work rate and tackling certainly isn’t it.

So there you have it, the best strikers from England, France, Spain, Germany and Italy based on Squawka Performance Score. Exceptional players who, excluding three-time winner Messi and 2007-08 winner Tevez, may one day be fortunate enough to lift the Champions League trophy aloft for their first time.