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The top dogs of Europereally splashed the cash in the summer of 2013, in what was an eventful transfer window. The demand for attacking firepower was sky-high in the transfer market, with most clubs looking to bring in a partner in crime for their superstars. There were several European giants who went all out to get their man and seem to have got their moneys worth. Lets take a quick look at 5 of the best attacking duos in Europe today:
#5 Sergio Aguero & Alvaro Negredo : Manchester City
Manchester City have by far been one of the deadliest attacking sides in Europe, scoring 118 goals in all competitions. The contribution of Aguero & Negredo towards this achievement is remarkable as their goals put together, constitute nearly half of the damage inflicted by the Sky Blues. Alvaro Negredo was signed by the Citizens in the summer of 2013 for a fee of £20 million from Sevilla. He has enjoyed a successful campaign thus far; netting 23 goals in all competitions.
He is second only to fellow Citizen, Aguero who, despite missing a reasonable chunk of the season owing to injuries, has been the top scorer for City, scoring 26 goals in all competitions. The pair have also been the key for the Citizens’ first ever progression into the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, with 11 of the 18 goals scored by the Sky blues, to its tally. The former La Liga stars have fitted perfectly in Pellegrini’s 4-4-2 formation and have played a major role in City’s demolition campaign.
#4 Zlatan Ibrahimovic & Edinson Cavani : Paris Saint-Germain
The marquee signing of Les Parisiens was Edinson Cavani from Napoli for a whopping €63,300,000 and even the thought of Ibrahimovic & Cavani together, caused excitement for the fans and distress for the opposition. Initially, manger Laurent Blanc had trouble fitting the two up front as the 4-4-2 wasn’t producing the desired results. Having drawn the opening couple of games, Blanc decided to go for a 4-3-3 with Cavani on the left-flank and Ibrahimovic at the no.9 position. This turned the tables for PSG as the duo began proceedings for what has been a dominant campaign thus far.
The pair has netted 58 of the 97 goals scored by the Les Parisiens in all competitions, which means they constitute 60% of PSG’s attack. On the European front, Blanc’s men have scored 20 goals, out of which 14 belong to this duo. The signing of El Matador has certainly helped PSG to take another step forward in Europe and to say that they are one of the favorites to win the Champions League wouldn’t be an overstatement.
#3 Lionel Messi & Neymar Jr : Barcelona
There were many doubts regarding the decision of the Catalans to bring in Neymar due to his lack of experience in European football. “Will he fit in or are Barcelona set to face another Ibrahimovic saga?” was the question and the Brazilian wonderkid did not need much time to prove his doubters wrong. He has not enjoyed a free-scoring campaign thus far but his vision & accurate passing have helped him combine with superstar, Lionel Messi. Both Messi & Neymar have struggled with injury woes and have not been together on the pitch as much as the Catalans would have wanted.
But together, the pair have created 90 clear cut chances and have racked up assists, despite having world-class playmakers behind them. The one-twos exchanged by the South American pair are a feast for the eyes and they have a pass accuracy of 85% which becomes handy for the Blaugrana in their traditional Tiki-Taka game. Both Messi & Neymar are proven big-match players and it will be interesting to see what is in store for the Catalans, with the pair pitching in at a crucial time of the season.
#2 Luis Suarez & Daniel Sturridge : Liverpool
The attacking duo of Suarez & Sturridge, fondly known as the ‘SAS’, has led Liverpool to a promising 2013-14 Premier League campaign. With 73 goals in just 28 games; the Merseyside club is the team which has scored the most number of goals in the current campaign. The pair constitutes more than half of the goals scored by the Reds, with 42 of the 73 goals to its tally. Anfield must sing manager, Brendan Rodgers’ praises as the signing of the English striker was a real bargain and they seem to have got the best return on investment.
In January 2013, Liverpool had given a mere £12 million for Sturridge, who in return has given 32 goals in 39 appearances for the Reds. SAS have easily been the best pair in England with Suarez topping the charts of both goals & assists with Sturridge second only to his partner in crime. Since the Reds have only the league to fight for, SAS might as well lead Rodgers’ men towards a Champions League entry next year or can even end their 24-year wait for the ultimate prize.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo & Gareth Bale : Real Madrid
Los Blancos have the most expensive wings in the world in the form of Ronaldo & Bale. The Welshman had a slow start to his Madrid career owing to injuries but has made a strong comeback. Manager Carlo Ancelotti was unable to bring balance to his side with the 4-2-3-1 as Bale was pushed to the center with Di Maria & Ronaldo occupying the wings. But the emergence of 4-3-3 has not only provided balance to Los Blancos but also stretches the opposition defenses with Ronaldo & Bale on the wings, creating space for the likes of Karim Benzema.
The former Premier League stars together, have found the net on 51 occasions and have created 50 goal-scoring opportunities in all competitions. However, the Champions League has been their favorite stage to inflict damage as they have contributed 15 of the 26 goals scored by Real Madrid in the current European campaign.
Los Blancos who are top of the La Liga and through to the final of Copa Del Rey, will be looking to continue their domination on all fronts with this attacking duo on top of its game.
