Five European stars are close to cementing themselves among Europe’s elit.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo seem like they’re in a battle of their own to claim Champions League goal-scoring supremacy.
Real Madrid legend Raul was way ahead in the list before the two juggernauts came into prominence.
Judging by age and current numbers, Messi may go onto push the bar so high it will be impossible to reach.
Having said that, here are some of Europe’s stars that have the ability and current statistical stature to become among the greats and exceed legendary figures such as Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistlerooy.
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1) Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Current Tally – 43 goals
The Paris Saint Germain enigma is currently on 43 European goals and looks set to break into the 50 goal barrier, which would put him alongside the legendary Thierry Henry.
The fact that the Swede plays for a club intent on dominating Europe over the next few years will no doubt boost his chances. Despite being 33-years-old, Ibrahimovic has shown no signs of waning and is still in his prime.
2) Karim Benzema: Current Tally – 41 goals
Real Madrid hot-shot Benzema is closely tailing Ibrahimovic and his long-standing relationship with competition from when he broke onto the scene against Man United for Lyon as a teenager.
Now 28, the Frenchman has got his hand on the trophy and remains one of the fiercest no.9 in Europe and will no doubt break the 50 goal barrier.
3) Robin van Persie: Current Tally – 25 goals
Manchester United forward van Persie is one of the deadliest finishers on the planet but hasn’t been on form this season and more importantly he’s been out of the competition.
The Red Devlis failed to qualify for Europe’s premier club competition in their first season without Sir Alex Ferguson.
The expectation is that Man United will be back there next term and if so, van Persie cannot be written off in terms of his goal scoring output.
4) Thomas Muller: Current Tally – 24 goals
Bayern Munich’s own and a talisman-figure in Germany’s World Cup victory, Muller is a goal-machine if ever we saw one.
Already on 10 World Cup final goals at the age of 25 and on course to break his compatriot Miroslav Klose’s recent record, the Champions League is very much in his sights too.
Muller has already lifted the competition once and was a beaten finalist in another and as long as he stays at Bayern, he will continue reaching the latter stages of the competition and will no doubt double his current tally
5) Arjen Robben: Current Tally – 24 goals
The Dutch wizard seems to get better with age which is evident by the new two year contract given to him by Bayern Munich this season.
Functioning mainly from the right which may hinder his goal tally, Robben is a dynamic figure for Pep Guardiola. Despite his position, one should not doubt his ability to score an outrageous amount of goals.