Daily Mail

OLIVER HOLT: I've seen all the greatest strikers of the last 30 years and this is my ranking of the 21 best - where do Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland fit in?

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Best Strikers Ranking by Oliver Holt

Oliver Holt’s Ranking of the Best Strikers

Oliver Holt presents a comprehensive ranking of the greatest strikers of all time and current top forwards in world football, considering a mix of statistics, influence, and style of play.

Top All-Time Strikers

Holt places Thierry Henry at the pinnacle for his blend of pace, technique, and intelligence. Henry redefined the role of a striker with his ability to create and finish.

Other legends like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo feature prominently, acknowledged for their extraordinary goal-scoring consistency and impact over two decades.



Current Elite Forwards

The ranking highlights contemporary stars including Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, who are noted for their physicality, speed, and prolific goal-scoring records at a young age.



Criteria and Approach

Holt balances quantitative data—like goals scored and assists—with qualitative aspects, such as how a striker influences games and adapts to different leagues and tactics.

The ranking is not purely about raw numbers but also acknowledges the evolution of the striker role and the varying demands placed on players in different eras.

Conclusion

Oliver Holt's analysis provides an engaging perspective on football’s best finishers, blending history with the cutting edge of today’s game to offer a nuanced look at what makes a striker truly great.


PP