Goal.com Special: Ronaldo & 19 More Of The Greatest Goalscorers Of All Time

With the retirement of former FIFA Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo earlier this week, Goal.comasked its twitter followers whom they considered to be the greatest goalscorer of all time. Many of you agreed with Goal.com's Peter Staunton that Ronaldo was the best finisher, but you also put forward a number of other interesting suggestions. We have now listed 20 of the best goalscorers with their statistics over the years - who do you think is the best? Bear in mind that only players from after 1960 when footage is readily available have been included.

Ronaldo Luiz Nazario de Lima ( BRA): 

Clubs: Cruzeiro, PSV, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid, Milan, Corinthians
Club games: 514
Club goals: 352
International games: 97
International goals: 62
Suggested by:@mcgboye; Without any shadow of doubt...nazario de lima ronaldo. Simply the best.

Romario de Souza Faria ( BRA):

Clubs: Vasco da Gama, PSV, Barcelona, Flamengo, Valencia, Fluminense, Al Sadd, Miami, Adelaide United, America 
Club games: 483
Club goals: 341
International games: 70
International goals: 55

Filippo Inzaghi ( ITA):

Clubs: Piacenza, Leffe, Verona, Parma, Atalanta, Juventus, Milan 
Club games: 608
Club goals: 288
International games: 57
International goals: 25
Suggested by:@primusicilianu; The greatest pure goalscorer is Inzaghi. 

Marco van Basten ( NED): 

Clubs: Ajax, Milan
Club games: 370
Club goals: 277
International games: 58
International goals: 24  

Gabriel Batistuta ( ARG):

Clubs: Newell's Old Boys, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Fiorentina, Roma, Inter, Al Arabi
Club games: 493
Club goals: 366
International games: 78
International goals: 56
Suggested by:@dantedii; It is between Ronaldo, Van Basten or Batistuta

Pele ( BRA):

Clubs: Santos, New York Cosmos
Club games: 831
Club goals: 767
International games: 92
International goals: 77

Alberto Spencer ( ECU):

Clubs: Everest, Penarol, Barcelona
Club games: 634
Club goals: 445
International games: 15
International goals: 5 
Suggested by:@DeadCarras; One of the most unknown great goalscorers was Penarol's Alberto Spencer.

Gerd Mueller ( GER): 

Clubs: 1861 Noerdlingen, Bayern Munich, Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Club games: 669
Club goals: 572
International games: 62
International goals: 68 

Ruud van Nistelrooy ( NED):

Clubs: Den Bosch, Heerenveen, PSV, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Hamburg
Club games: 550
Club goals: 341
International games: 68
International goals: 34 

Ferenc Puskas ( HUN): 

Clubs: Kispest, Budapest Honved, Espanyol, Real Madrid
Club games: 622
Club goals: 617
International games: 89
International goals: 84 
Suggested by:@Matthewbrala; Puskas.617 goals in 622 club appearances speaks for itself.

Cristiano Ronaldo ( POR):

Clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid
Club games: 394
Club goals: 190
International games: 80
International goals: 26 

Lionel Messi ( ARG):

Clubs: Barcelona
Club games: 249
Club goals: 167
International games: 54
International goals: 16
Suggested by:@thendyforaldy85; maybe messi, but we need to see him play in england and italy.

Zico ( BRA):

Clubs: Flamengo, Udinese, Kashima Antlers
Club games: 696
Club goals: 476
International games: 72
International goals: 52

Hugo Sanchez ( MEX):

Clubs: Pumas, San Diego Sockers, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, America, Rayo Vallecano, Atlante, Linz, Dallas Burn, Celaya
Club games: 694
Club goals: 427
International games: 58
International goals: 29

Eusebio ( POR):

Clubs: Sporting de Lourenco Marques, Benfica, Boston Minutemen, Monterrey, Toronto Metros, Beira Mar, Las Vegas Quicksilvers, Uniao de Tomar, New Jersey Americans, 
Club games: 437
Club goals: 428
International games: 64
International goals: 41 

Jimmy Greaves ( ENG):

Clubs: Chelsea, Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Brentwood, Chelmsford City, Barnet, Woodford Town
Club games: 602
Club goals: 422
International games: 57
International goals: 44

Uwe Seeler ( GER):

Clubs: Hamburg
Club games: 476
Club goals: 404
International games: 72
International goals: 43

Johan Cruyff ( NED): 

Clubs: Ajax, Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante, Feyenoord
Club games: 662
Club goals: 368
International games: 48
International goals: 33

Oleg Blokhin ( UKR):

Clubs: Dynamo Kiev, Vorwarts Steyr, Aris Limassol 
Club games: 648
Club goals: 283
International games: 112
International goals: 42

Alfredo Di Stefano ( ARG): 

Clubs: River Plate, Huracan, Millonarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol 
Club games: 520
Club goals: 376
International games: 41
International goals: 29

Theo Walcott: Barcelona Taught Us A Football Lesson But Arsenal Have Great Chance Of Knocking Out Spanish Champions

Theo Walcott has admitted that Arsenal were “taught a lesson” by Barcelona but is convinced they have a great chance of winning their last-16 Champions League tie.

Arsenal came from a goal behind to dramatically beat the La Liga champions 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, although Walcott recognised that the first leg could have gone either way.

“Barcelona taught us a lesson,” said the Gunners winger. “We couldn’t get near them at times. Barcelona had lots of possession but they didn’t create as many chances as they would have wanted.

“The most important thing is we have something to play with going into the second leg. Going into that game we have a great chance. We know we can get a result and it will be a great game for the neutral to watch.”

Walcott predicts there will plenty more twists and turns at Camp Nou on March 8.

He said: “We can’t get above ourselves. We still have a lot of work to do at their place and have to forget about this result now.

“We know how difficult it will be to win in front of their home support and on a big pitch. We made a lot of mistakes [at Camp Nou] last year and we don’t want to do the same again."

Walcott created problems for Barcelona with his pace and directness in the first half but he faded after the break and, although he was withdrawn in the second half, it did not sour a special evening for the England international.

“To be part of the team that beat the best team in the world has been brilliant,” he said. “It’s so great to be part of a big win and be on the right end of the result.

“It was such an open game. That’s the way they play and the way we play. It was so great to be part of it.”

Walcott admitted that it might now be hard for the Arsenal players to lift themselves for Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Leyton Orient.

“It’s a big come down, no disrespect to Leyton Orient,” he said. “But it’s an important game and we play in the Premier League [against Stoke City] next Wednesday. The games are coming thick and fast so we have to concentrate on these and forget about the second leg.”

RVP and Meireles lead shortlist

Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie and Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles head a five-man shortlist for the ESPN PFA Fans Player of the Month award for February.

PA PhotosRobin Van Persie celebrates breaking the deadlock at the Emirates.

Van Persie, who has fully recovered from recent injury troubles, has cemented his place back in the Gunners' starting lineup and has bagged five goals in his last three games in the Premier League - including the double that beat Wolves 2-0.
Having helped Netherlands make it to the final of the 2010 World Cup, the striker has much to prove with his club as he has only shown glimpses of his obvious talent, with injuries hampering his development thus far.
Joining Van Persie on the shortlist is Liverpool's new signing Raul Meireles, who has been very impressive in helping to turn around the club's form in recent games.
The Portuguese midfielder scored three goals in three games in February, including the winner in the 1-0 defeat of Chelsea and has added to his tough-guy reputation by showcasing his attacking flair.
With Liverpool snatching striker Andy Carroll away from Newcastle in January, a substantial portion of the Magpies' hopes are now pinned on controversial midfielder Joey Barton.
Barton's influence on the side has been great, as his two goals helped the Magpies to come back from 4-0 down against Arsenal to claim a memorable draw, while he has also managed to stay out of trouble long enough to put in some consistently excellent performances.
Consistency has not been a problem for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez this season as he has been banging in the goals with regularity. A hat-trick at the start of the month against West Brom saw him continue his rich vein of form, although he was less impressive as City lost the derby to United.
Part of the reason for that defeat was due to the goal scored by United's Nani. An excellent piece of control and finish set his side on his way and then his cross eventually found the boot of Wayne Rooney for a sublime winner. Nani also found the net in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves to cap a very decent personal month for the Portuguese winger.
Each month, the Professional Football Association (PFA), in association with ESPN gives Premier League fans the opportunity to vote for their player of the month. VOTE NOW for your favourite
ESPN PFA AWARD SHORTLIST - FEBRUARY
Premier League:
Joey Barton (Newcastle)
Raul Meireles (Liverpool)
Luis Nani (Man Utd)
Carlos Tevez (Man City)
Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)
Championship:
Craig Bellamy (Cardiff City)
Matty Fryatt (Hull City)
Robert Snodgrass (Leeds Utd)
Adel Taarabt (QPR)
Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town)
League One:
Gary Jones (Rochdale)
Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
Craig Mackail-Smith (Peterborough United)
Glenn Murray (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Myles Weston (Brentford)
League Two:
Stuart Fleetwood (Hereford United)
Ashley Grimes (Lincoln City)
Cody McDonald (Gillingham)
Leon McKenzie (Northampton Town)
Nicky Wroe (Shrewsbury Town)

Reina opens the door to Man United switch as replacement for Van der Sar

Pepe Reina has told Liverpool they risk losing him to rivals Manchester United if they fail to reach to the Champions League for the second year in a row. 

The World Cup-winning Kop goalkeeper has been at Anfield since 2005, arriving after the club won Europe's premier competition for the last time. 

He continues to be one of the best stoppers in the business, standing out as one of the last remaining top quality players at Liverpool following the January departure of Fernando Torres to Chelsea.

Crying out for attention: Liverpool's goalkeeper Pepe Reina is desperate to play in the Champions League

Sir Alex Ferguson made tentative approaches to the previous Anfield ownership in the summer about a £20million bid for Reina. That was rebuffed, but the Scot's need for a safe pair of hands has been accentuated by the confirmation of Edwin van der Sar that he would retire at the end of the current campaign. 

When asked on Spanish radio station Onda Cero last night about whether his future lay with his current employers or with their fierce rivals, Reina was non-committal.

He said: 'I won’t lie, I want to play in the Champions League and challenge for titles.

Big boots to fill: Edwin van der Sar will retire at the end of the season

'Van der Sar will hang up his gloves in the summer so of course [United] are looking. I can’t do anything. I can’t say anything logically as I have a contract with Liverpool. 

'Of course one likes to fight for titles and be in a team that does that. We always fought to be in the Champions League and try to win the title. But unfortunately it hasn’t been the case in the last couple of years.'

Liverpool have enjoyed a resurgence under Kenny Dalglish, winning four games in a row, and are just six points outside the coveted fourth Champions League spot.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1354766/Liverpools-Pepe-Reina-opens-door-Manchester-United-switch.html#ixzz1DNu5D6Fd

Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll will be a hit at Liverpool, says Barcelona striker David Villa

Barcelona hitman David Villa has backed Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll to become firm fans' favourites at Anfield.

The Spanish World Cup winner sees Liverpool's new strike force as solid business by the Kop hierarchy, and has played down the cost of the £57.8million pairing.

Backing: David Villa (left) says Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez will wow Liverpool fans

'Each year there are big transfers of this type. It’s normal,' said Villa.

'All teams need to strengthen when they want to win things.'

The 29-year-old striker continued: ‘Liverpool needed to reinforce after the sale of Fernando (Torres). They are two great players who are worth every penny. I’m sure they’ll be a hit with the fans.'

Double act: Kenny Dalglish (centre) poses with new signings Andy Carroll (left) and Luis Suarez

Meanwhile, Reds caretaker boss Kenny Dalglish says Raul Meireles is now earning praise in accordance with his stature as one of Europe's top midfielders.

The 27-year-old Portugal international smashed his fourth goal in five games to give the Reds a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. 

And Dalglish is not surprised by his progress. 

'Understandably Raul has been getting some headlines for the goals he’s scored in recent weeks,' Dalglish said in his LFC Weekly column.

'His performances have been what I’ve expected. I knew he was a good footballer before he came to the club and he’s shown that.

Hitting form: Raul Meireles (left) scores against Chelsea to sour Fernando Torres' debut against his former club

'He’s intelligent and very good technically; he puts in a pile of running too. He’s getting on the scoresheet so often because he’s playing a bit further forward. Those goals are a huge bonus for us.

'The strike on Sunday wasn’t as easy as it looked. He had to get up and over the ball to make sure he knocked it inside the post.

'The great thing for us was we had players getting into the box to capitalise on chances like that.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1354827/Luis-Suarez-Andy-Carroll-hit-Liverpool-says-Barcelona-striker-David-Villa.html#ixzz1DNp6OwZG

Luis Suarez: Another Bergkamp/van Nistelrooy Or Kezman/Babel?

The Dutch first division, and Ajax in particular, have produced some of the players and teams that will live long in the memory of many football fans. The Oranje rank amongst the most respected footballing countries in the world, and have done since they revolutionised the game with 'Total Football'. However, Dutch football has taken a turn for the worst over the last decade or so, demonstrated by the style of football their national team used to get them to the final of this summers World Cup. The 'anti-football' approach they adopted was far from the iconic teams of the eighties. Despite the glorious connotations that go with Dutch football, the Eridivisie is a long way off being a true force in Europe, and has been for some time.

With rumours being rife of Luis Suarez being lined up as the first signing of the NESV revolution at Liverpool, I have found the excitement of this prospect somewhat questionable. Having not seen the player in action excessively, it is difficult for me to have a concrete opinion on the matter. It is encouraging to see Liverpool once again seriously attempting to buy players who are seen to be the hottest properties in football right now, and there is rarely a bad word said about the Uruguayan. Along with his scoring record for Ajax, I know I should be excited about the possibility of Liverpool capturing Suarez's signature. However, recent history has taught us to be sceptical of any Eridivisie hot-shot strikers making a direct switch to the Premier League. Here are a few who have made the switch, for better or for worse:

Dirk Kuyt

Feyenord 101 (70) Liverpool 158 (40)

Kuyt was brought into Liverpool by Rafael Benitez as the answer to Liverpool's goalscoring problems. Judging by his tremendous record with Feyenord, Benitez had spent his money wisely. However, Kuyt was found terribly wanting in front of goal, and was soon switched to the right wing where his stamina and determination were seen to be more effective. Overall, Kuyt has been a successful signing, though sadly not as a goalscorer.

Ryan Babel

Ajax 73 (14) Liverpool 91 (12)

Babel was another brought to Liverpool by Benitez, however, it is difficult to come to a conclusion as it's fair to say he never fulfilled his potential at Ajax, and was brought to Liverpool for the future. It was his lack of intelligence which has deemed Babel a failure in my opinion, as he does possess all the right ingredients to be a top Premiership player, unfortunately he can't put them all together.

Van Nistelrooy

PSV 67 (62)

Man Utd 150 (95)

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is the only Dutch import that in my mind, that can be categorised as a truly successful goalscorer. Although his goals to games ratio in Holland was far better, he found his natural goalscoring instinct trasnlatable to the Premier League. Something many others have failed in doing.

Dennis Bergkamp

Ajax 185 (103)

Arsenal 316 (87)

It would be laughable to try and criticise as the signing of Dennis Bergkamp by Arsene Wenger, as he is one of the finest players to ever play in England. However, his scoring record exemplifies the gulf in class between the two leagues, and though Bergkamp made up for this in other ways, he never lived up to the record he set in Holland.

Mateja Kezman

PSV 122 (105)

Chelsea 25 (4)

Kezman is a great example of a talented striker that just couldn't adapt to the English game. The amount of games played in England, says as much as the amount he scored. Four goals in twenty five games for Jose Mourinho's side wasn't enough, and without the industry of a player like Kuyt, or the intelligence of a player like Bergkamp, he was always going to find it difficult to find a place in Mourinho's powerful team.

Alfonso Alves

Herenveen 39 (45)

Middlesborough 42 (10)

Although playing for a team battling relegation, his record of more than a goal a game for Herenveen is phenomonal. Yet again, Alves was another player expected to solve Middlesborough's goalscoring problems, though found the English game too difficult to transfer his ability to. Given time at a top club, this may have been a different story. Unfortunately, he just offers more proof of the the size of the task at hand for players making this switch.

I think these statistics prove the excitement at the prospect of signing Suarez might be misplaced. Let's hope, if the deal goes through, he proves me wrong.

Which Of These 6 United Players Deserve A New Contract?

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed that the club will open discussions with 37-year-old Ryan Giggs about a new contract. It is a reward for Giggs’ consistent performances this season, which will see him celebrate an incredible 20^th anniversary of his debut for the club in March. Gill said:

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he extends his contract for another season. That will be addressed in the next month or so. He has been playing well, keeps himself in great shape and is a wonderful advert for the modern footballer.”

As has been the case recently, Giggs has taken his career season by season, allowing himself to decide if he feels he has the capabilities to continue for another year at the highest level. Having already made 18 appearances this season, clearly the club feel that the evergreen Welshman can prolong his legendary career beyond the 6 months left on his current deal.

Giggs is one of several older United players whose United contracts are up in the summer. Do any of them deserve an extension?

Edwin van der Sar

The 40-year-old Dutchman is still firmly in place as the club’s number 1 despite his age, and that is testament to his professionalism and quality. But manager Sir Alex Ferguson has began making preparations for his retirement with the January signing of Danish stopper Anders Lindegaard, who along with Tomasz Kuszczak will be hoping to take over from van der Sar. The plans for Lindegaard are still unclear. Is he going to be van der Sar’s replacement? Or is Kuszczak leaving for him to become number 2 to a big money signing?

Like Giggs, van der Sar takes the approach of judging his future on his season’s work, and aside from a big error against West Brom at Old Trafford, his form has been consistent. Usually you know when an older keeper’s time is up when mistakes start to become regular and doubts enter the mind. Just ask David Seaman. But van der Sar seems no different to the day he signed back in 2005. I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs for an extra year.

Verdict: One more year

Paul Scholes

The United legend is still an important player for United with his ability to pull the strings in midfield probably still unmatched by the vast majority in European football. His less energetic style of play nowadays has without question helped him continue for so many years. With natural talent like Scholes has, he will always be useful to have on the playing staff even if he isn’t starting every week.

As with van der Sar, there have been no clear signs of regression in Scholes’ form. There is a reason his nickname within the club is ‘Sat Nav’ – he has always had the ability to get the ball from A to B seamlessly. The form of Anderson has led Sir Alex to earmark the Brazilian as Scholes’ eventual successor, but he might have to wait another season before the ginger maestro hangs up his boots.

Verdict: One more year

Gary Neville

The last of the three remaining from the famous Class of ’92, Neville’s appearances have been far more sporadic than Giggs and Scholes this season, making just 4 outings. And his form in those appearances has been widely scrutinised by the media after luckily avoiding a sending off in away games at Stoke and West Brom. Having always been underrated by non-United fans thanks to his fierce loyalty to the club, they will have enjoyed seeing Neville struggle.

The emergence of Rafael da Silva as the most exciting young talent in the club has meant Neville has taken a backseat to first team action. The situation seems to all be fitting in perfectly for a retirement, with a spot on the coaching team opening up following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit to manage in Norway coinciding with a loss of form and a replacement already settling in to his first team place. Neville should retire at the end of the season, but he should also be remembered as undoubtedly the finest English right-back of his generation.

Verdict: Retirement

Michael Owen

Michael Owen has found it tough going in his Manchester United career. While he couldn’t (and shouldn’t) have expected to play every week after signing for the club, he has made limited appearances in his time so far. This season that has been mainly down to injury, as he recovered from his hamstring tear suffered in the Carling Cup final. But Javier Hernandez has made a flying start as a Manchester United player and would now seem to firmly be in third place in the forward pecking order, relegating Owen to fourth.

But would he remain in fourth if he were to continue next season or be pushed back further? The brilliant form of Danny Welbeck on loan at Sunderland has excited many United fans and when he returns he should be fighting for a first team place. Then there is Kiko Macheda on loan at Sampdoria, who Ferguson has very high hopes for. Then there is Mame Diouf on loan at Blackburn who is steadily improving. Is there a place for Michael Owen? It wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave, but it might just depend on how well the loanees do in the second half of this season. Let’s not forget, despite all of his injuries, Owen is still just 31 years old and would have plenty to offer to most teams in the Premier League.

Verdict: Released

Owen Hargreaves

There was a sense of real hope in the stands as Owen Hargreaves made his first start for over two years against Wolves at Old Trafford in November. Of course, it was a disaster, with the midfielder hobbling off after just 5 minutes. The word was that it was nothing serious and would only keep him out for a few weeks. Over two months later and there seems to have been no progress. The last update from Ferguson was that he was seeing specialists in Germany to figure out the problem.

While of course it is tragically upsetting for Hargreaves, Ferguson must feel huge frustration over how his signing has played out. Surely even if Hargreaves managed to play a game, he would have to be playing on at least a semi-regular basis for Ferguson to truly believe he is worth another contract, and that doesn’t seem likely at all with just four months of the season left. As sad as the situation is, it might just be time for Hargreaves to admit defeat.

Verdict: Retirement

Neville Follows Van der Sar in Retiring

Edwin Van der Sar Manchester United’s number 1 has announced his retirement at the end of the season, Gary Neville Manchester United’s number 2 has just retired with immediate effect. Both of these stories upset me but for different reasons.

Van der Sar

Van der Sar is the best keeper we have had since the Great Dane, Peter Schmeichel, a legend who I personally thought we would never sufficiently replace, Barthez was quality for a while and then sort of just fell apart. Andy Goram was erm…… Andy goram, Massimo Taibi was allergic to grass and let in 6 at Southampton, we tried out Mark Bosnich for a bit, the list of stop gap keepers is long but in my life time there are only 2 names that I think of as Manchester United’s number 1 Peter Schmeichel and Edwin Van der Sar, we bow to you sir.

6 seasons, 246 games (so far) and the peace of mind knowing that even if your defenders get beat then they still have to slip it past the dutch giant before they can chalk one up. PRICELESS. Wouldn’t it be great if we could add a treble to the long list of trophies he has won with Manchester United?

Gary Neville

As for Gary Neville, what can you say about him? LEGEND in every respect of the word, a model professional, one of the best right backs that has ever existed (my opinion) and the most anti-Liverpool player I have ever known (this is a good thing to United fans). When we needed a light-hearted distraction he would chip in with a comment about Liverpool or any of our other title rivals for that matter.

I will not miss him so much on the playing side as this season he has been a shadow of his former self, in the 2 or 3 matches he has played, he has been shocking, on merit he should have been sent off on New Year’s Day. His presence around Old Trafford will be hugely missed, his loyalty and professionalism must have helped the youngsters around the place no end. I also have a sneaking suspicion he had something to do with Rafael’s development over the past 2 seasons.

10 seasons, 602 matches and countless trophies.

Heres hoping we find him a role at the club until he is a good enough manager to take the big seat. No doubt he will at some point.