Ranking the 5 best forwards in 2021

#3 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

FC Bayern München v VfL Bochum - Bundesliga

Like Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski deserves an opportunity to lift the Ballon d'Or at least once in his career. The striker would have comfortably won the award in 2020 had it not been canceled.

Lewandowski is arguably the best striker in world football and one of the most lethal attackers to have played the game. A prolific goalscorer renowned for his technical qualities, the Poland international finished last season with 41 league goals. In doing so, he broke Gerd Muller's long-standing record of most goals in a single Bundesliga season, with the German great scoring 40 in the 1971-72 season.

This season has been no different. Viewers of the game have become accustomed to Lewandowski's ability to find the net on an incredibly consistent basis. The 33-year-old has scored ten league goals and provided an assist in nine appearances. Lewandowski, it can be argued, should be appreciated more.

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#2 Lionel Messi (Barcelona & Paris Saint-Germain)

Paris Saint-Germain v Manchester City: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player to have played the game. He has achieved everything possible in club football, yet his biggest achievement possibly is scoring 30 league goals and providing 11 assists for a mediocre Barcelona side last season.

It was evident for some time that Messi was papering over the cracks at Barcelona. His controversial departure this summer has highlighted as much - it would now be considered a successful season if the Catalan giants secure a UEFA Champions League spot.

Messi's biggest achievement this year has to be the Copa America success. The Argentina international won the Best Player award and led his nation to glory in the tournament. Considering the pressure he was under to lead Argentina to international success, Messi did really well at the tournament. For Paris Saint-Germain, there have been glimpses of his other-worldly quality, but he is yet to get going properly.

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#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Atletico Madrid v Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

Mohamed Salah is the best player in world football right now. He is playing at an incredible level and is rightly being compared to Lionel Messi due to his performances.

Salah has been world-class since joining Liverpool. A prolific goalscorer with quick feet, the Egypt international has won the Champions League and the Premier League with the club. Last season was a disappointing one for Liverpool, but Salah still managed to register 22 league goals and five assists.

This season though, the 29-year old is on a mission to single-handedly lead Liverpool to Premier League glory. Salah has scored ten goals and provided five assists in nine Premier League games and has looked untouchable. Liverpool fans are clamoring for him to sign a new deal, with his current one set to expire in 2023.

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