The Top 5 Best Finishers in Football – Expert Analysis by Anthony Williams
Title: The Top 5 Best Finishers in Football – Expert Analysis by Anthony Williams
As a UEFA Pro Licensed Coach and someone who played professionally for nearly two decades, including 19 years in the Premier League, I have spent my life analysing and understanding the subtle details that set the best players apart. Finishing is one of the hardest skills to master in football. It is not just about striking the ball cleanly—it is about decision-making under pressure, movement off the ball, composure in critical moments, and the intelligence to exploit tiny gaps in defences.
Here I want to share my expert analysis of the top five finishers in world football today. These are players who embody what every striker should aspire to.
Lionel Messi
It is no surprise Messi is on this list. He is arguably the greatest player to ever play the game, and his finishing is a big part of why. What sets Messi apart is his consistency in producing moments of genius that decide matches. He has an extraordinary ability to stay calm under pressure, whether taking on five defenders or stepping up for a last-minute free kick.
One example that stands out is his 30-yard free kick against Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League semi-final. Despite the occasion, the distance, and the quality of the opposition, Messi executed it perfectly. His close control, balance, low centre of gravity, and vision allow him to take high-quality shots even in the tightest spaces. When you watch Messi, you see a masterclass in how to make the hardest finishes look easy.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane represents the classic number nine with modern qualities. He is clinical with both feet and strong in the air, but what I admire most is his intelligence. Kane knows when to drop deep to link play and when to arrive in the box at the perfect moment. His ability to hold off defenders and bring others into the game makes him invaluable to any team.
He also has a tremendous work ethic. Consistently among the top scorers in the Premier League and now in the Bundesliga, Kane’s finishing is about far more than technique. It is about timing, movement, and reading the game better than most defenders can cope with.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Few players have evolved their game as effectively as Ronaldo. Early in his career, he was an explosive winger known for pace and trickery. Over time, he adapted into a central forward who scores in every way imaginable. His two-footed shooting, aerial prowess, and power are legendary.
Ronaldo’s leap and timing make him one of the most dangerous headers of the ball in history. His shooting technique combines power and accuracy, allowing him to score from long range, close range, and set-pieces. Add his mentality and commitment to fitness, and you have a player who has remained a top scorer well into his late 30s.
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé is the definition of a modern forward. His blistering pace makes him a constant threat behind defences, but it is his composure in front of goal that impresses me most. Many quick players panic when they get in on goal—Mbappé does not. He picks his spot with calm precision.
He is also a player who rises to big occasions, scoring crucial goals in World Cups and Champions League knockouts. His movement off the ball shows a tactical intelligence well beyond his years. Watching Mbappé play is like seeing the future of the striker’s role unfold.
Erling Haaland
Haaland is the prototype of the modern number nine. He combines speed, power, and a natural finishing instinct that is rare. His acceleration allows him to get behind defences easily, while his strength ensures he can hold off even the most physical defenders.
What I really appreciate is his composure. Haaland does not snatch at chances. He finishes with both feet, is excellent in the air, and times his runs perfectly. He also has the versatility to adapt to different systems, making him unpredictable for defenders.
Finishing is an art that goes far beyond kicking a ball into the net. It is about reading the game, making the right decision in a split second, and executing under pressure. Messi, Kane, Ronaldo, Mbappé, and Haaland are the standard-setters in world football today. For any young striker, studying their movement, technique, and mentality is the best way to learn what great finishing really means.