The Best Centre-Forward Not Strikers in the World: A Competitive Analysis

When discussing the best centre-forwards not playing as traditional strikers, the names of Angel Di Maria, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Nkhousi Mavi, and Antoine Griezmann often arise. However, when it comes to comparing these players, who among them shine the brightest? Let's delve into an analysis that highlights key performances and statistics.

Kun Agüero: 1st, Luis Suárez: 2nd, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 3rd

It's true that Angel Di Maria and Antoine Griezmann play more as attacking wingers or supporting forwards rather than centre-forwards in the traditional sense. However, when we talk about the top performers who have taken on a more central role, the names of Kun Agüero, Luis Suárez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang often come to the forefront.

Kun Agüero has had a remarkable career, scoring with poise and precision, often making the difference in crucial moments. His individual accolades and club performances, particularly with Manchester City, have cemented his status as one of the best in this category. Agüero's career achievements, including 2 six-goal seasons and two Premier League titles, underscore his status as a top contender.

Luis Suárez is also a standout in this category. His ability to hold the centre-forward position with allure and dynamism, backed by a series of spectacular goals and a formidable partnership with Kayserispor's Muhammet Ekici, highlights his unique skill set. Suárez's career has been marked by critical moments, including scoring in the 2010 World Cup final, earning no less than 12 caps for his national team.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brings a similar level of tactical intelligence and potent scoring to the table. His prowess in helping his teammates and his status as a top-notch centre-forward for club and nation-making 78 goals in 104 Premier League appearances, among others, places him in the top echelons of this category.

Kylian Mbappé: The Future and His Current Dominance

Now, let's turn our attention to Kylian Mbappé, who truly stands out as the future of centre-forwards. Unlike his predecessors, Kun Agüero, Luis Suárez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mbappé is still in his prime, even though he is already in his early 20s. His raw talent, demonstrated by a staggering 4 goals in the 2023 World Cup and 35 league goals in the previous season, combined with a record of being the top scorer in his youth for France, makes him a formidable contender.

Mbappé's potential, alongside his current form, positions him as a diamond in the rough, shining brightly while his contemporaries are beginning to show signs of aging. PSG's willingness to pay a massive transfer fee to secure his services underscores the belief in his long-term value. Whether he outperforms his illustrious predecessors will be a key factor in football lore for years to come.

Robert Lewandowski: The Consistent Unmatched Diamond

Finally, let's discuss Robert Lewandowski, who is often considered the greatest attacking player of his generation. His unmatched consistency and performance are second to none. Lewandowski's record of 23 goals in 18 matches and leading the Bundesliga with 16 goals in 11 matches, as well as his joint-leading goals in the Champions League with Erling Haaland, are testament to his performance.

His 40 goals in 2019 also highlight his incredible seasonal consistency, which has earned him numerous accolades. This level of performance, alongside his impact at club level and on the international stage, makes it clear why Lewandowski is considered the best striker in the world currently. His record of scoring in the first 11 Bundesliga matches is a mark of his dependability and form.

While Kun Agüero, Luis Suárez, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have had outstanding careers, their current form pales in comparison to Lewandowski's. Mbappé comes close but is still navigating his prime years. This makes Robert Lewandowski the undisputed king of attacking consistency and performance in the current football landscape.