Top 5 big game players in the world right now

“He will be defined by his performances in big matches. You’re at a club with aspirations of winning things and a world-class striker will be defined by trophies and performances in big matches.”

Gary Neville's advice to Romelu Lukaku perfectly sums up the importance of big games in a footballer's life.

Big games are vital not only because they have an extra ounce of glory in store for those who win, but also because they define the character of a player. Consistently performing in matches that matter is what makes a player indispensable to a team.

As much as they may make you great if you win them on their own, crucial games also come with extra pressure. A player who can perform well under pressure in such matches becomes a vital part of his team; a player the squad can depend on to perform whenever required.

On that note, let's have a look at the best big-game players currently active in the sport.

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#5 Edin Dzeko

Edin Dzeko has been a key player for Roma in big games

Now, Edin Dzeko isn't a name you would expect seeing in here. He plays for a club that is less popular in contrast to the European heavyweights, which is why his stats get overlooked.

True, the Bosnian hasn't shown consistency in his performances this season, but he has always taken to the mantle in challenging games for his side.

The 2016-17 Capocannoniere winner has found the net against Inter, Napoli and AC Milan this season in the Serie A.

In the Champions League, Dzeko put in impressive displays against Chelsea in the group stages. Further, his two goals over two legs helped Roma pull off a major upset against Barcelona. His goal against Liverpool in the semis has seen his team clinging on to a hope of repeating their quarter-final heroics against Liverpool.

With the second leg of the semis coming up, followed by a crucial league game against league leaders Juventus, the giallorossi would do well to believe in their star striker to lead them through the tough challenges.

#4 Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi ensured World Cup qualification for Argentina all by his own

People have started doubting Lionel Messi's ability to be an influence in big games, as he was in the past. But, let's not forget the fact that he has scored against every big club he has played against, a bracket that includes Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.

Stretch your memory back to the game where Argentina played Ecuador in a do-or-die situation in the World Cup qualifiers. The Argentinian literally grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck by scoring a hattrick and booked a place for his country in the World Cup.

A loss would have seen La Albiceleste crash out of the competition before it had even started, but when you have Messi playing in your colours, it's highly impossible for such a thing to take place.

However, the one reason why Messi fails to make the top 3 is his abysmal performance against Roma in the quarterfinals of the UCL. The Barca forward failed to find the net when it mattered the most, which is why his ability to win big games on his own has come under the spotlight.

But, not including Messi here would've been a little too harsh, considering the fact that it is inappropriate to judge a player on just one game.

#3 Marco Asensio

Marco Asensio has delivered in big games for Real Madrid

When you look at Marco Asensio and the maturity with which he plays, it's hard to imagine that the lad is only 22. Especially this season, the Palma-born forward has come to the rescue for his team whenever it mattered.

Asensio was the most decisive player in Real Madrid's aggregate win over FC Barcelona in this season's Spanish Super Cup. During Cristiano Ronaldo's time out due to suspension, the Spaniard took to the mantle and was a beacon of hope for the fans and players alike, in the absence of their king.

To prove his mettle as a big game player, Asensio played a major part in Real Madrid's 3-1 victory in the first leg, assisting two goals in the space of 10 minutes and turning the match in Real's favour. He rose to the occasion once again, this time against Bayern Munich in the semis, grabbing a crucial winner at the Allianz.

On top of it, do not forget he was on the scoresheet for Los Blancos against Juventus in the previous season's UCL final.

Performances in these games are the reasons why he has been tipped to make it as a legend in the years to come. It won't be wrong to say he is one of the most decisive players on the planet at the moment.

#2 Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo has been the most influential player in the Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo's season might not be counted amongst his best ones, but the incredible story of how he returned to his imperious best from a dark spell is enough to show why he richly deserves the praise he gets.

The Real Madrid talisman was highly ineffective in the first half of 2017 but has made up for it in Los Blancos' Champions League campaign.

Ronaldo netted 6 goals in 4 games against PSG and Juventus in the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals respectively. That shows how the Portuguese skipper has effectively carried the club on his shoulders, saving Zinedine Zidane and Co. from a trophyless season.

A special mention goes to his beautifully executed bicycle goal and the winning penalty against Juventus over two legs.

Can anyone still dare to refute his claim as a striking influence in the starting XI for Real Madrid? No chance.

#1 Mohammed Salah

Mohammed Salah is a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or

Mohammed Salah has literally lit up the 2017-18 season and I bet even the non-Liverpool supporters have enjoyed watching him. No wonder he is being considered as a serious contender for the Ballon d'Or 2018.

Besides maintaining consistency in finding the net, he has been immensely influential for Liverpool in crucial games this season.

Amongst the big six in the Premier League, the Egyptian has scored against every team except Manchester United. Coming to the Champions League, he was menacing against Manchester City in the quarterfinals, providing an assist and scoring 2 goals over two legs. Further, he also scored a brace and provided 2 assists against Roma, as Liverpool inched a step closer to the Champions League final.

However, the highlight of his reputation as a big game player was his brace against Congo that ensured Egypt's first World Cup qualification since 1990.

With the World Cup just around the corner, it will be exciting to see how well the Egyptian lights up Russia with his impressive performances.