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The 2017/18 season has been amazing in terms of footballing action. This season, the brand of football played in the domestic leagues has been taken to an altogether new level.
While in the Premier League, Manchester City are running riot, FC Barcelona appear to be in unmatched stride in Spain. Paris-Saint Germain meanwhile, are all beguiled in their new star forwards.
The teams have been playing some sensational football and the goal scoring records have come under fire week in and out.
That said, here is a look at the top five players who wear the number #9 on their back and have wreaked havoc this season.
#5 Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi is yet another Argentine forward who has been in astounding form this season. Sampaoli should be prepared for the selection headaches in Russia.
The 25-year-old is currently enjoying the form of his life at San Siro in 2018. This season, the player has recorded 18 goals for his team in mere 24 appearances. At his current scoring rate, the forward looks set to smash all his previous records with the club.
Also read: Top 5 holding midfielders of the 2017/2018 season
Icardi's rise to his best has attracted the attention of all the Europe's elite. It is only Feburary and the likes of PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid have been reported to be interested in the player.
Inter Milan could be facing a tough job ahead in keeping hold of their lead man in 2018.
#4 Roberto Firmino
Roberto Firmino is the most underrated number #9 in Europe at the moment. Despite his exquisite form this season he is among the least talked players in football.
The Brazilian perhaps takes advantage of the aforementioned fact every time he steps on the pitch. In his 38 appearances this season, he has netted 22 times for Liverpool while providing 12 assists.
He forms a vital part of the Reds' attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The form of his Egyptian teammate, Salah has apparently deprived him of the credit he deserves.
The 26-year-old is crucial to the hopes of a potential title challenge at Anfield in the upcoming season for Jurgen Klopp.
#3 Robert Lewandowski
Football fans need absolutely no introduction to the Bayern striker named Robert Lewandowski. A marksman, the veteran is an absolute beast in front of goal.
The Polish international is in sublime form for the German Champions for yet another season running. The Bayern forward has scored 29 goals so far this season and has also cliched points for his side late on in games.
The 29-year-old is among the few players who haven't experienced any dip in their form for the German side. Even his terrific form has always been a concern for Bayern as the elites from Europe have pursued the star forward.
Reports have recently linked him with a move to the Premier League in the upcoming summer transfer window. Where ever he plays, it is certain that he will tear defences apart with his unformidable hunger for goals.
#2 Luis Suarez
FC Barcelona fans would be furious to see their striker, Luis Suarez, miss out the numero uno spot on the list despite the hat-trick he scored this past weekend.
Such is the cut throat competition in Europe that a number #9 of Uruguayan's stature falls short of the top spot. The former Liverpool man did not have the best of starts to the 2017/18 campaign where he experienced a severe goal drought.
However, the tables turned for the player gradually into the season. So far, Suarez has netted 23 goals and provided 10 assists for FC Barcelona this term.
The 31-year-old appears to now be settled in Valverde's new 4-2-3-1 formation which often sees him roaming as the lone striker. His form would be crucial to Barca's hopes of getting past Chelsea in the second leg at Nou Camp.
#1 Edinson Cavani
The achievements of a player in the Ligue 1 are not taken earnestly by a handful of football followers but that doesn't eclipse the fact that Edison Cavani is one of the best strikers in the business.
The Uruguay international has been in breathtaking form for PSG this season. He appears to be enjoying his time in the French capital alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. In his 35 appearances for the team, he has found the back of the net 30 times while creating 8 for his team-mates.
His link-up play with Neymar has been a delight to watch in 2017/18. The forward has improved his hold-up play and finishing as well this season.
PSG's long awaited Champions League hopes are heavily rested on the shoulders of the 31-year-old.
Honorable mentions:
Romelu Lukaku, Radamel Falcao and Gonzalo Higuain have not featured on the list but proved to be a severe dilemma while drafting it.
