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Footballers are intelligent athletes. Their wide variety of abilities, from learning languages to understanding complex tactics that are implemented on the field, makes them highly valued.
Attacking players are often gifted with natural instincts. Some of the best forwards in the world are able to find space or make a run not many would be able to think of. Managers obviously crave to acquire the services of such players, but they do not come cheap.
On that note, we look at the 5 forwards who make the most intelligent runs in football right now.
#5 Edinson Cavani (Manchester United)
When Edinson Cavani moved to Manchester United last summer after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired, eyebrows were raised.
Cavani was regarded as one of the best strikers in the world during his prime. However, the signing was regarded as a panic buy by Manchester United after their failure to buy Jadon Sancho. The 34-year old had endured a quiet last season in Paris before his move to Manchester.
However, Cavani has proved to be an excellent signing. The Uruguay international is a highly intelligent attacker who thrives due to his world-class off-the-ball movement. El Matador is already a firm fan favorite among the Old Trafford faithful. Last season, he made 13 Premier League starts for Manchester United, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists.
#4 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
Erling Haaland has already seemingly perfected the art of goalscoring. The young attacker is already a genuine superstar of the game.
A promising young talent during his Molde days, Haaland caught the attention of Europe with his performances for Red Bull Salzburg. Borussia Dortmund signed him on January 2020 for £18 million. The Bundesliga giants will surely earn a healthy profit from his sale in the near future.
The 21-year-old has been sensational for his club. Last season, in 27 Bundesliga starts, Haaland registered 27 goals and provided six assists. He already has five goals and three assists in just four league games this season. The Norway international is a frightening mixture of pace, physicality and intelligence, and has been nicknamed The Terminator.
Also Read: 5 best midfield partnerships in the Premier League (2021)
#3 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Robert Lewandowski is the best striker in world football and one of the best players in the world.
It doesn't surprise anyone these days whenever Lewandowski's prolific goalscoring is mentioned. The Poland international has made it a habit of finding the net for Bayern Munich and his country. Last season, in just 28 league starts, he scored 41 league goals and provided seven assists.
The 33-year-old is getting better with age. Lewandowski has won the European Golden Shoe and the UEFA Men's Player of the Year for his performances. The striker was the best player in the world in 2020, when Bayern Munich won the treble.
#2 Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Arguably the one player who can compete with Robert Lewandowski right now for the tag of best striker in the world is Harry Kane.
Kane is regarded by many as a complete striker. The England international is able to create and score, and registered stunning numbers last season. In 35 Premier League starts, he scored 23 goals, provided 14 assists, and was the best player in the league.
Kane's form led to heavy interest from Manchester City this summer, but a move failed to materialise. The 28-year old has won the Premier League Golden Boot thrice, the PFA Fans' Player of the Year and the Premier League Playmaker of the Season once.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
Cristiano Ronaldo once again displayed his quality last night in his second debut for Manchester United.
One of the greatest players to have played the game, Ronaldo showcased his poacher's instinct for his first goal. His second goal highlighted his intelligence and athleticism. The 36-year-old made a smart run to get on the end of Luke Shaw's ball and slot the ball into the net.
Ronaldo is still a world-class operator, and he guarantees goals. The Portugal international has immediately become Manchester United's talisman and a spectacular debut is hopefully a sign of things to come.
Also Read: Top 5 favorites for the Premier League golden boot this season - September 2021
