Noah Davis - The Worlds Best Soccer Strikers

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved to Sole Books.

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Series editor: Yonatan Ginsberg

Cover design: Omer Pikarski

Inside page design: Lynn Snyder

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data available.

ISBN: 978-1-9-38591-13-6

Published by Sole Books, Beverly Hills, California
Printed in the United States of America
First edition October 2013
10987654321

www.solebooks.com

REUTERS/Sergio Carmona

Date of birth June 24, 1987 (Rosario, Argentina)

National / Club Argentina / FC Barcelona

Nickname The Flea

Position Midfielder / Forward

Jersey number 10

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Olympic gold medal (2008); FIFA Ballon dOr (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012); Barcelonas all-time leading scorer; youngest player to 200 La Liga goals.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

In March 2012, he scored five goals in a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.

STANDOUT SEASON:

The 200809 season, in which Messi won his first Ballon dOr and Barcelona won six trophies, including the La Liga and Champions League titles.

MEMORABLE QUOTE:

I have changed nothing. My style of play is still that of a child. I know that above all it is my job and that I should approach it in another way, but one must not lose sight of the fact that football is a game. It is imperative one plays to amuse oneself, to be happy. That is what children do, and I do the same thing.

SKILLS:

Messi is frequently compared to Argentine legend Diego Maradona, and for good reason. Both players are low to the ground, possessing an innate ability to keep the ball close to their feet and beat defenders with a simple feint or dodge. Messi also has a blistering left footed-shot and a wonderful ability to place the ball exactly where the goalkeeper is not. He is a great passer with brilliant field vision.

AS A KID:

Messi was a prospect in Argentina but needed human growth hormone treatment. River Plates management refused to pay $900 a month for it, but Barcelona offered to do so and Messi moved to Spain. Just think how different the soccer world would have been!

REUTERS/Hugo Correia

Date of birth February 5, 1985 (Santo Antnio, Madeira, Portugal)

National / Club Portugal / Real Madrid

Nickname CR7

Position Forward

Jersey number 7

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Won the Ballon dOr in 2008 and finished second in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2012; won three Premier League titles with Manchester United in 200607, 200708, 200809; won the UEFA Champions League crown with Manchester United in 200708; won La Liga title in 201112 and Copa del Rey title in 201011 with Real Madrid. His 2009 transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid was, at the time, the most expensive one in history, costing the Spanish club $93 million.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

Ronaldo captained Portugal to the semifinal of Euro 2012. Although his country would fall to eventual champion Spain in penalty kicks, the superstar tied for the tournaments Golden Boot after scoring three goals.

STANDOUT SEASON:

In 200708, he won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League, and the Ballon dOr.

MEMORABLE QUOTE:

I am Cristiano Ronaldo, and I can win more medals than anybody else. I dont like to relax. The fans want to see a great Cristiano Ronaldo, so I try to never disappoint.

SKILLS:

Ronaldo has the height, the size, and the speed to dominate at any sport. He possesses the pace to beat defenders off the dribble and the strength to win balls in the air. His free kicks, which bend and dip in magnificent ways, are real pieces of magic. Mesut zil called him the perfect player, and he has a point.

AS A KID:

His father was a gardener and his mother was a cook. His parents named him Ronaldo after U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Ironically, the name would later allude to brilliant Brazilian forward Ronaldo who the child would come to emulate. His father took care of the uniforms for Ronaldos first club, amateur side Andorinha. Ronaldo used to cry after losing games, earning the nickname cry-baby, which he later gave to his dog.

REUTERS/Jose Miguel Gomez

Date of birth February 10, 1986 (Santa Marta, Colombia)

National / Club Colombia / Monaco

Nickname El Tigre (The Tiger)

Position Forward

Jersey number 9

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

Was elected to FIFA XI best players in 2012; scored a hat trick in the 2012 UEFA Super Cup; won two UEFA Europa League titles, one with Porto and one with Atltico Madrid; scored five goals in a match against Deportivo de La Corua.

MEMORABLE MOMENT:

Scoring the winning goal in the 201011 Europa League final with Porto.

STANDOUT SEASON:

He broke Jurgen Klinsmanns record by scoring 17 goals in just 14 Europa League matches during the 201011 campaign; won the Copa del Rey with Atletico Madrid in 201213 season.

MEMORABLE QUOTE:

On winning the Copa del Rey with Atletico Madrid: Its an unbelievable feeling. Now we have to enjoy it. This win feels awesome. Were happy with the effort we put in and that we can celebrate this win like the people wanted.

SKILLS:

Falcao is one of the deadliest strikers in the world, with equally wondrous left and right feet. Despite being only 510, he displays an innate ability to track the ball and win headers over towering defenders. On the field, Falcao displays a level of grace that surpasses his impressive strength and skill. He is a ruthless goal-scorer and a top class poacher, ready and willing to pounce on anything within his reach and put it in the back of the net.

AS A KID:

Falcaos father, Radamel Garca, played professionally as a defender in Colombia and named his son after legendary Brazilian coach Paulo Roberto Falco. Falco made his pro debut at the age of 13 years and 199 days!