Striker of the Month for May - The Nominees

They say “Forwards win you matches, defenders win you championships”. But without those vital goals from the main man upfront, no team can constitute a run for the championship. Even for a team fighting relegation, those vital goals may mean the difference between staying up and going down the ladder.

In our last episode of Striker of the Month nomination for this season, we take stock of the performances from the forwards in the month of May. Here are your nominees for Striker of the Month.

Luis Muriel (Udinese)

When you have been tagged as the “Colombian Ronaldo”, you certainly have a lot to live up to. In his first full season at Udinese since signing for the Italians back in 2010, the Colombian didn’t do any injustice to the huge expectations appended on him. In his 22 appearances (15 starts) for the Bianconeri, the Colombian scored 11 times while assisting on three occasions.

A natural on the ball who is blessed with tremendous pace and dribbling ability, Muriel came good especially in the latter half of the campaign, scoring 7 in his last 9 games as Udinese remained unbeaten throughout that period. In 4 games in the month of May, the forward has found the back of the net on 4 occasions. His best game came in the 5-2 victory in the last game of the season as Udinese ran rampant through the Inter side. His performances have certainly caught the eye of a number of scouts and he has been touted as one who could replace Luis Suarez at Anfield, should the Uruguayan decide to leave Anfield. Be on the lookout for the latest sensation from Colombia next season.

Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)

Balotelli hasn’t stopped scoring ever since returning to his native Italy and the month of May was no different. In 4 games for the Rossoneri in the month of May, the ex-Manchester City man scored 4 by himself as he guided Milan to a comfortable 3^rd place finish, finishing the campaign on a 5-game unbeaten streak.

Balotelli has really seemed comfortable back in Milan. Residing at Brescia, the city where he grew, also has seemed to settle him down, away from the constant pressure of the English press. The eccentric talent that is Mario Balotelli has let his feet do the talking rather than his t-shirts or other media and the results have been quite advantageous for both him and his team.

Roberto Soldado (Valencia)

Soldado has been the perennially underrated performer in the La Liga. The Spanish international was released by Real Madrid after coming through the ranks at the Bernabeu despite showing some real promise. While Los Merengues invested their future in the likes of Karim Benzema and Higuain, Soldado has excelled in his times at the Mestalla. The Spanish international has had another tremendous season as he racked up 28 goals in all competitions this season.

Valencia went unbeaten in the month of May largely due to their astute defence which didn’t let in any goal. However, it was Soldado at the front of the pack who made sure the 4-game unbeaten run also bore the fruit of 12 points as he scored 4 of the side’s 10 goals during May.

Cyril Thereau (Chievo)

Cyril Thereau is not a name that would pop up with much regularity in the discussions for Striker of the Month. The Frenchman’s performances for Chievo in the month of May, however, certainly deserve recognition. His performances peaked in the month of May as he scored the vital goal against Roma to secure all three points for the underdogs. A fortnight later, it was again Thereau to the rescue when his brace salvaged a draw for the Gialloblu.

The impressive showings from the Frenchman this season for the Flying Donkeys have caught the eye of Fiorentina who look favourites to bring the robust forward into their ranks.

Cheick Diabate (Bordeaux)

The Mali international had come alive for Bordeaux in the last couple of months. In the early part of the season, Diabete’s successes remained confined to Cup competitions. Diabate has been in fine form entering this month, having scored 4 in 5 games last month. The 6’4” giant of a striker delivered once again this month, scoring 3 in 4 games. His most important contribution however was his brace that sealed the Coupe de France in Bordeaux’s favour after Evian had come back twice from a goal down previously. Diabate also scored 3 in 3 Ligue 1 matches in May.

Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)

Brendan Rodgers took a chance on the talented youngster in January, knowing fully well the red flags of selfishness and snobbish attitude that come tagged with him. In the space of five months, Daniel Sturridge seems to have vindicated Rodger’s decision to bring him to Anfield. Sturridge seems to have finally found a home at Merseyside.

The talented Englishman has been in phenomenal form of late and Fulham felt the full force of his left foot as he helped himself to a hat-trick. His goal getting may have remained confined to one single game this month, but he has seemingly found a new gear which seemed non-existent a few months back. His play was rewarded with an England call-up earlier in the month. Even on the international scene, Sturridge looked unperturbed as he was on hand to assist England’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Ireland.

Stefan Kießling (Bayer Leverkusen)

There are certain things in the footballing fraternity that I just can’t understand. The love for Stefan Kießling (or the lack of) is just one of those things which leaves me dumbfounded. The talented forward scores goals a plenty year-in-year-out, yet doesn’t get anywhere near the praise that he deserves. The goal machine from Leverkusen finished as this year’s top scorer in the Bundesliga, slotting in 25 goals for the German side. The clinical finishing from Kießling helped Bayer finish the season on a high as they won all three games in the month of May, with the German international finding the back of the net once in each game.

Note: Cristiano Ronaldo was omitted from the list on account of his disciplinary issues. The Portugese scored 4 goals and had 2 assists in May, but he picked up 3 yellow cards and 1 red card during the time.