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#3 Hulk
The Marvel Cinematic Universe's Hulk had one motto, and he aptly exasperated, "Hulk, Smash!". The Brazilian Hulk has a motto of his own: "Hulk, Score!". He built a reputation for himself as a lethal goal scorer and has carried it ever since wherever he has gone.
It came as a surprise to many when the striker switched FC Porto for Russian club Zenit St Petersburg. However, it was an even greater shock when he left Russia to go to China and join Shanghai Port even though he was on a whopping pay package of £320,000-per-week. In his four seasons, Hulk was as prolific as anyone, scoring 76 times and assisting 57 times.
For anyone who thought Hulk was finished, the striker has responded with another season packed with great returns, this time for his native club Atletico Mineiro. Since joining the club in March, earlier this year the Brazilian has managed 43 goal contributions in 63 games.
#2 Javier Hernandez
America's Major League Soccer has been a retirement destination for many top European footballers who have competed with the biggest clubs. The prospect of having these star attractions in the USA is hugely exciting and profitable for owners and the league.
One name brought to the league for such a purpose was Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and this season, he has really come into his own. England, Spain, Germany...Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, the Mexican had worn proud jerseys at various top clubs.
Last season, the demise of his grandfather turned out to be a really depressing episode for him and Chicharito struggled to keep himself mentally healthy. His mental state had a negative effect on his on-field performances. This year, the starman has rebounded and stood triumphant.
In just 21 appearances, the Mexican boasts 20 goal contributions, with just three of them being assists, others, all goals. He is the top-scorer for the Mexican National Team and has admitted that he hopes he gets a call-up due to his dominant performances in the MLS.
#1 Santi Cazorla
If ever there was a newsletter series that featured inspirational stories in football, the comeback of Santi Cazorla would surely make it to the cover page. A cheerful chap and a highly admired figure, fate was extremely harsh on the Spaniard when he suffered one of the most complicated injuries in football.
He played a whole game for Spain against Chile in 2013 with a broken bone. He returned to Arsenal after a short break and was back in action again, however, their were episodes of pain in the same spot. The injury worsened beyond just surgical repair and multiple treatment procedures followed. Cazorla was told to forget that he would kick a ball.
In July 2018, six hundred days after being stretchered off in tears, the Spanish playmaker played his part in a friendly game. At 33, Cazorla was offered a contract by Villarreal in August 2018 and since then he has been an absolute revelation.
He scored against mighty Spanish opposition Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga and finished his season in Spain with 86 appearances, scoring and assisting on 22 occasions respectively. He is now plying his trade at Barcelona manager Xavi's former club, Al-Sadd SC.
The Spanish maestro has been a powerhouse for the Qatari club, registering 23 goals and providing 17 assists in just 43 appearances. At 36, he's still going strong and it's really unfortunate that fate took Cazorla's prime years away from him.
