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Also called a shadow or support striker, a second striker holds a unique position in the team. A hybrid version of a forward adept at both scoring and creating goals, he is cunning, crafty and difficult to counter.
Over the years, football has witnessed the emergence of some remarkable second strikers, the impact of whom have transcended generations. These include names like Ferenc Puskas, Johan Cruyff, Roberto Baggio, Dennis Bergkamp, Francesco Totti etc.
This list is a look at some of the better second strikers this millennium. For this purpose, only have players who made their professional debut in the 21st century are considered.
As a result, names like Raul Gonzalez and Alessandro Del Piero won't be a part of this list.
#5 Paulo Dybala
At just 24 years of age, Dybala has become the nucleus of Juventus. Besides being technically well-rounded, the Argentine has displayed remarkable dribbling skills and vision. A prolific left-foot has also ensured numerous comparisons with Lionel Messi.
He got his big break at Palermo during the 14-15 season as he scored 13 goals and assisted another 10. The following transfer window saw him being signed by the Old Lady for €32 million.
As a part of Juventus' 4-2-3-1 system, he plays as a support striker behind Gonzalo Higuain or Mario Mandzukic.
In just three seasons, he has racked up 59 goals and 23 assists. The Argentine played a prominent role in the Old Lady's 2017-18 UEFA Champions League campaign, which included a scintillating brace against FC Barcelona.
Dybala made an outstanding start to this season, scoring eight goals in the first four league matches. After missing the initial part of 2018 due to a hamstring injury, he is back to his best. With the Serie A title race going right down to the wire, he could very well be the deciding factor.
#4 Antoine Griezmann
One of the names to watch out for in the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, Griezmann has taken a quantum leap in the last few years. The Frenchman is known for his speed, versatility and impressive finishing, which make him ideal for counter-attacks.
Despite his lean stature, he is astonishingly good in the air as well.
The Real Sociedad academy graduate first came into the spotlight during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Later that year, Atletico Madrid signed him as a goal-scoring alternative for the Chelsea-bound Diego Costa. Their manager, Diego Simeone mostly pairs him alongside target men like Kevin Gameiro and Fernando Torres.
Griezmann has been finishing Atletico's top scorer for the last three seasons. The 2015-16 season saw him attain his peak, reaching the finals of the UEFA Champions League and Euro 2016. Scoring six goals at the latter also helped him finish third at the 2016 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
After a mediocre first-half, he seems to have found his groove in the later part of this season, scoring consecutive hattricks against Sevilla and Leganes.
Although a crowd favourite, the Frenchman's days at Atletico seem numbered with clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City rigorously chasing him.
#3 Sergio Aguero
Manchester City's all-time top scorer, Aguero has been one of the most consistent players in the world. Often compared to Brazilian legend Romario due to his pace, technique, positioning and goal-scoring abilities, the Argentinian made his professional debut at the age of 15.
Playing alongside Diego Forlan for Atletico Madrid, he earned the reputation of being one of Europe's most promising youngsters.
He joined Manchester City in 2011 for a then club-record fee. In May 2012, Aguero stunned the world with his last-minute goal against QPR in the final league match. His strike earned Manchester City their first league title since 1968, over superior goal-difference.
At City, he has played alongside various traditional strikers such as Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli, Eden Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic.
Despite being highly injury prone, he has managed to score close to 200 goals for the Manchester-based side. Already passing the 30 goal margin, he has been in incredible form this season and is set to win his third Premier League winner's medal.
#2 Thomas Muller
Bayern Munich's local boy, Muller is one of the most unconventional footballers in the world today.
Labelled as 'Der Raumdeuter' for his uncanny ability to find space, the German forward possesses high work rate and a tremendous appetite for goals. Experts have compared his capability to read the whole game to that of a traditional libero.
Making his first-team debut for Bayern in the 2008-09 season, he announced himself to the world at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
He has won a total of 17 titles with the Bavarian club, including the 2013 UEFA Champions League. His biggest achievement, however, remains winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany, a tournament where bagged five goals.
While he often operates as a centre-forward or a winger, he is at his best while playing in the shadow of a target-man.
The list of strike partners he has had includes Miroslav Klose, Mario Gomez, Mario Mandzukic and Robert Lewandowski.
Time and again, the lanky German has proved himself to be a big-match player. He has more than 160 goals and 140 assists for Bayern to his name, many of which have come at critical junctures.
After continuously underperforming under Carlos Ancelotti, he has successfully reinvented himself under Jupp Heynckes and is on course for another treble with Bayern.
#1 Wayne Rooney
One of the better players of the 21st century, Rooney was the poster boy of English football for years. A prolific goal-scorer with excellent vision, he possessed the ability to turn the tables single-handedly. Besides this, he has garnered praise for his hard work and determination.
Everton's boy wonder joined United at the age of 18 for a whopping £25.6 million. Before anyone could realise, he became a symbol of the club and its vigour.
Playing alongside a host of incredible strikers like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Carlos Tevez, Dimitry Berbatov and Robin Van Persie, he would wreak havoc on the opposition defences.
During his illustrious career at Manchester, Rooney won several accolades, including five league titles and the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League. With more than 250 goals, he is the club's all-time top-scorer.
With United undergoing a transition, he once again returned to his boyhood club Everton at the start of this season. Currently, at the twilight of his career, the 'Wazza' will be remembered as this generation's greatest second striker.
