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Modern football has certainly evolved a lot over the years. Previously, football used to be more attack-focused, as sides relied solely on goals to win victories. Over the years, we have seen the emphasis shift to defense. Several world-class teams today employ a more defensive mindset and are content with sitting back and defending, attacking only when their opponents are vulnerable.
While the current scene boasts several world-class defenders, there are, without a doubt, some attackers that unnerve even the world's best. These are bonafide goalscorers, capable of converting even the smallest chances into goals. There is no room for error with these players; the smallest mistake could end up costing their team the game.
Let's take a look at the five hardest players to defend against.
#5 Romelu Lukaku - Chelsea
The summer of 2021 saw Romelu Lukaku move back to Chelsea, in a deal worth a reported £97.5 million.
Lukaku has been at his best for a while now. Originally from Anderlecht, Lukaku was signed by Chelsea in 2011. Lukaku had a couple of loan spells with West Bromwich Albion and Everton. He impressed on loan and earned himself a permanent move to Everton in 2014.
Lukaku spent three years with the Toffees, before signing for Manchester United in 2017 for a reported £90 million. He spent two years at Old Trafford before moving to Inter Milan in 2019. Two years later, he re-signed with Chelsea to take up the spot as their attacking spearhead.
Lukaku has built a reputation for being menacingly strong and deceptively fast. Capable of shooting with either foot, Lukaku is also excellent in the air, making him a complete striker. His strength enables him to shield away opposition defenders and allows him to turn and shoot.
Several defenders have labeled Lukaku a dominant figure in attack. With his second coming at Chelsea getting off to a good start, there is no doubt Lukaku will continue to progress through his impressive career with the Blues.
#4 Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players in world football right now.
Dubbed a generational talent, Mbappe has already taken the football world by storm at just 22 years of age. Mbappe made his debut with Monaco in 2015, where he spent three years before signing for Paris Saint-Germain in a world-record deal worth €180 million.
Since signing for the French outfit, Mbappe has gone on to achieve unbelievable heights. The 22-year-old has already won Ligue 1 four times and has even played in a UEFA Champions League final.
With France, Mbappe was a key figure in their title-winning run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Known for his blistering pace and accurate shooting, Mbappe is capable of winning games all by himself.
His goalscoring record speaks for itself: Mbappe has already scored 136 goals in 178 appearances for PSG. Still, in the early part of his career, one can say without a doubt that Mbappe will be one to watch for the future. It is almost scary to think of the levels he could achieve in the coming years.
#3 Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund
Erling Haaland is one of the brightest prospects in world football.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame over the last couple of years. Having started out with Molde in Norway, Haaland earned a move to Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.
Although Haaland spent only one year at Salzburg, he was thoroughly impressive. He notched up quite a few goals in a short period of time, catching the attention of Europe's elite. He was ultimately signed by Borussia Dortmund in 2020.
Since joining Dortmund, Haaland has only gotten better. Blessed with an extraordinary eye for goal, Haaland is a regular on the scoresheet with Dortmund. In 67 appearances, Haaland has already scored 68 goals at over a goal a game.
Standing at 6-foot-4, Haaland is also dangerous in the air. He boasts a rare combination of pace, strength and finishing that comes along only once in a generation. With his career seemingly destined for an even bigger club, there is no doubt that Haaland will continue to break records until his retirement.
#2 Lionel Messi - Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi has lit up football fields for the better part of 15 years now.
Arguably one of the best players in football history, Messi is well-known even to non-football fans. Messi made his debut for Barcelona in 2004 and went on to spend 17 long, successful years at the Nou Camp.
During his time in Spain, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey awards and four UEFA Champions League medals, becoming one of the most decorated footballers ever.
Famed for his otherworldly close control and his incredible precision, Messi has made a habit of tormenting defenders worldwide. He has been described as a nightmare to defend against: he is capable of dropping his shoulder and switching sides and also of going for goal directly.
Blessed with impeccable dribbling ability, Messi has single-handedly won games on many occasions. His recent move to Paris Saint-Germain came as a shock to football fans worldwide, but there is no doubt Messi will only add further laurels to his already successful career with the French outfit.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United
Cristiano Ronaldo is a household name in world football.
Arguably one of the best to ever play the game, Ronaldo has made a name for himself as a devastating goalscorer. Originally from Sporting Lisbon, Ronaldo signed for Manchester United in 2003. He spent six years in England before moving to Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2009.
His time in England and Spain perfectly encapsulates his evolution as a player. Starting out initially as a winger, Ronaldo could often be seen causing chaos on the wings. A nightmare for defenders, Ronaldo was incredibly skilled and tricky on the ball.
In Spain, he evolved into more of a direct goalscorer. His record with Real Madrid is extraordinary: Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 appearances for Los Blancos, winning two La Liga and four UEFA Champions League titles.
This was followed by a move to Italy with Juventus, where he spent three years and won two league titles and one Golden Boot. The recent transfer window saw Ronaldo rejoin Manchester United in a move that was awaited by many for a long time.
Ronaldo has hit the ground running with United, already scoring four goals in just three appearances for the Red Devils. He recently broke the record for most-ever goals scored in football history. Ronaldo has an unprecedented 678 goals at club-level and 111 goals at country level.
At 36 years of age, it is fair to say that Ronaldo still sends shivers down the spines of opposition defenders even today.
