Monday, July 11, 2011

INFTH Top 100: Numbers 32 and 31

32. Mario Gomez- To call Mario Gomez's 2010/11 season prolific would be a gross understatement. Twenty-eight goals in twenty-seven Bundesliga starts is an incredible record, a goal scoring haul that even players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi would treat with some respect.

However, it was not just in the league where Gomez excelled, the German international translated his Bundesliga form to the Champions League as well. Eight goals in eight appearances in Europe's premier competition put Gomez high up on the scoring charts, though he was eventually pipped for the golden boot by who else but Lionel Messi.

After initially struggling internationally, 10/11 finally heralded some national team form for Mario Gomez. As the hottest striker in Germany, it was no surprise that Gomez was consistently called into Joachim Lowe's squad, especially as he managed to find the net on five occasions for the Germans.

After almost signing for Liverpool on the eve of the 2010 summer transfer window, Gomez still probably remains a target for the Reds, though after his performances last season Bayern are likely unwilling to sell.

31. Giuseppi Rossi- One of the most promising up and coming young strikers on the planet, Giuseppi Rossi was absolutely sensational for Villareal last season; thirty-two goals in all competitions is testament to that.

After moving to Spain from Manchester United, Rossi has excelled, fast becoming a key player for perennial Champions League qualifiers Villareal. Additionally, the striker has managed to forge a career for himself at the international level; after rejecting the USA, Rossi has become a default starter in Cesare Prandelli's Italian national team.

Gifted with speed, skill and fabulous finishing ability, it is no surprise that Rossi is one of the game's most sought after transfer targets. A move to Barcelona looked to be in the offing several weeks ago, but since then talks have broken down with the Catalan club preferring a move for Chilean winger come striker Alexis Sanchez.

With Champions League football assured for next season, Rossi will be in no rush to leave Villareal, though there are rumored to be several Italian clubs in hot pursuit of the striker's services.

No comments:

Post a Comment