Fernando Morientes

A refined Spanish centre-forward, Fernando Morientes combined classic number 9 instincts with a level of technique and intelligence that made him much more than an aerial specialist. Strong in the box, excellent with his head and elegant in combination play, he could finish chances, link with creative teammates and give attacks a reliable reference point without slowing them down. At Real Madrid, he was an important striker in a team full of stars, while his Monaco Champions League run in 2003-04 showed what he could do when placed at the centre of the project. He was not as explosive as Raúl, not as brutal as Drogba and not as complete as the very greatest forwards, but his timing, touch and big-game composure were genuinely top class