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In the last decade, European football has remodelled a lot in terms of the transfer policies followed by the clubs. Each club from the elite category wants to spend big on top-notch, in-demand goal-scorers to secure their services.
While the big names with the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, Salah, Neymar, Harry Kane etc., are dominating the headlines, some highly exceptional talents around the European leagues go unnoticed. With the growing competition in European football, the elite clubs are chasing top-notch forwards who would be vital for their attacking tactics and would deliver when and where needed. However, there are plenty more strikers who are performing well for their less-known clubs on the European level.
Thankfully, European football leagues give the home to some of the top-notch forwards in the world, who are leading the attacks for their teams and might be in demand for some of the European elites to cover for their regular players or even start their own legacy with the club. Let's take a look at some of the best-underrated strikers in the world, this season.
#5 Christian Stuani
Following a brilliant debut season with Girona, the Uruguayan has carried his form into this season, as well. The 32-year-old is a top-quality centre-forward known for his exceptional finishing abilities.
The Girona striker came into the spotlight when he starred against Real Madrid as the minnows stunned the European giants at the Estadi Montilivi, last season. Ever since his arrival in Girona's lineup, the Uruguayan has been the man to look upon when goals are needed.
With 21 goals to his name, Stuani finished on the fifth spot for the Pichichi, last season. However, the striker is currently the third top-scorer in the Spanish league, only behind Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. With Munir El Haddadi's departure to Sevilla last week, the Spanish giants were looking at Christian Stuani to cover for Luis Suarez, who remains the only striker in their squad.
#4 Fabio Quagliarella
Despite being a 35-year-old, the Italian forward is showing no signs of ageing. The Sampdoria man has been a consistent performer for his club from the past two seasons. With 14 goals and 5 assists to his name, the Italian centre-forward currently occupies the second spot of the Serie A top-scorers, only behind the mighty Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus last summer after spending nine seasons with Spanish giants, Real Madrid.
His consistent performances in the league, and his staggering numbers in a league known for his defensive nature, it is safe to say that the Italian is one of the most underrated strikers in the world right now.
With the striker edging close towards the end of his career each passing day, it is highly unlikely that we would see him play in an elite European club. However, his performances in this season shouldn't go unnoticed as the Italian, statistically in the Serie A, is on par with one of the greatest players in the history of football.
#3 Callum Wilson
AFC Bournemouth's striker, Callum Wilson has been alive and kicking since the start of the season. The 26-year-old has been a centre of attraction for EPL giants Chelsea recently.
The English striker has netted nine goals and set up another six in the 20 Premier League appearances he has made so far. Wilson has been the standout player for the 12th placed Bournemouth side, this term.
The striker has been involved in nearly half the Premier League goals the Cherries have scored so far. Currently, Bournemouth's front-man is the seventh highest scorer in the Premier League, ahead of the likes of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
The Englishman made his debut for the English national team in November and scored a goal as well. Recently, Wilson starred in a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City, and with his fine form linking him with different EPL clubs, including Chelsea and West Ham, his transfer fee could be taking a hike in future - a profit for the Cherries who paid just €3.70 million to secure his services.
#2 Nicolas Pepe
LOSC Lille's striker, Nicolas Pepe, is one of the most lethal forwards in the world. Since making his €9 million move to the French giants, the Ivory Coast international has been in a prolific form and has impressed with his performances for the Great Danes.
The 23-year-old has netted 13 goals and provided nine assists in the 21 appearances he has made so far this term. The right-winger is currently the third-highest goal-scorer in the Ligue 1, ahead of Neymar Jr and only behind Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe. While PSG looks untouchable, Lille have occupied the second spot in the French league and have a three-point lead over third-placed Lyon.
EPL giants, Arsenal were recently being linked with the forward, and it is expected that the Lille man would be one of the emerging stars in the European football, in the coming future.
#1 Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic is another emerging star in European football. The 21-year-old currently plays for the Bundesliga side, Eintracht Frankfurt. The Serbian prodigy has netted 13 league goals and set up another 4 in just 16 Bundesliga appearances made so far.
Apart from his staggering numbers in the German league, the centre-forward has maintained an exceptional record in the Europa League, as well. With five goals to his name, the Serbian is the second-highest goal-scorer in the UEL. On the other hand, the Frankfurt man is currently the top-scorer in the Bundesliga, ahead of the likes of Marco Reus, Robert Lewandowski, and Paco Alcacer.
With the Serbian international impressing with his exceptional performances in the domestic as well as European football, it is highly likely that one of the top European clubs would come calling for him in the next transfer window.
