With more and more importance being emphasized on attacking, Europe’s biggest clubs are now willing to spend millions to get the ideal players to lead their lines.
Besides, over the last decade or so, a shift in the tactical system saw managers abandoning the pragmatic 4-4-2 formation for a more free-flowing and zestful 4-3-3 system.
So, with a surge in the number of attack-minded teams across Europe, the clubs are now relying on their attacking trios to share the bulk of the goals.
Front-three generally comprises of an out-and-out number 9, accompanied with two wingers on either flank who are equally gifted in putting the ball at the back of the net.Â
Luckily enough, in recent years, we have witnessed some of the world’s best attacking trios, who have terrified the European continent with their panaches, skills, flairs, and ability to change the outcome of any tie in the blink of an eye.
Like every other season, this campaign too has seen a continuation of this recently-built legacy of attacking tridents dominating the sport.
So, based on their compatibility and cohesiveness with each other, we have tried to rank the top three clubs in Europe with the best-attacking trios this season.
Honourable mentions- Bayern Munich: Robert Lewandowski/ Serge Gnabry/ Philippe Coutinho and Lille: Victor Osimhen/Loic Remy/Nanitamo Ikone
#3 Liverpool: Mohamed Salah/ Roberto Firmino/ Sadio Mané
Regarded as one of the most potent attacking trios in world football right now, Liverpool’s front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firminho, and Sadio Mané have torn opposition defences for fun in the last two years. And without a doubt, they are one of the main reasons behind Liverpool’s recent dominance in English as well as European territory.
Despite being world-beaters in their own rights, the front-three of Liverpool complement each other like nobody else, and their strength lies in the way they balance each other out. Besides, their telepathic connection on the field is something that can’t be coached.
Mohamed Salah has become the poster boy of Anfield with his unearthly performances over the past two seasons. Meanwhile, Senegalese superstar Sadio Mané has been in the form of his life, bailing the Reds out on several occasions with his finishing, trickery, speed, and technique.
Despite wearing the number nine shirt for the Reds, Roberto Firmino contributes in a whole lot of other ways than a conventional number nine. The Brazilian’s link-up play, along with his tireless workaholic mentality, enable the other two to shine.
So far this campaign, the trio have managed to score a total of 49 goals in all competitions, with Salah notching up 20 of those. However, Mane dominates the assist providing chart with 12 in his kitty, followed by Firminho (11), and Salah (9).
#2 RB Leipzig: Timo Werner/ Marcel Sabitzer/ Patrik Schick
The attacking trident of RB Leipzig – Timo Werner, Marcel Sabitzer, and Patrik Schick have taken the world by storm with their breathtaking attacking displays. The sensational trio have managed to unlock almost every defence in Bundesliga with their terrific conversion rate in front of goal.
Their charge upfront has been led by Timo Werner, who has redefined the role of an all-out centre-forward with his versatility and pace. The 24-year-old German international has already scored 30 goals across all competitions this season and unsurprisingly, has been linked with several European heavyweights.
Werner’s partners in crime, both Marcel Sabitzer and Patrik Schick, have played their part in making Leipzig’s attacking line one of the best in Europe. The attacking midfielder cum winger, Sabitzer has proved his credibility in front of goal, with the Austrian finding the back of the net 16 times.
In total, the deadly trio have already scored on 54 occasions, giving a very hard time for all the defensive units in Germany as well as in Europe. In addition, the front-three have recorded a total of 24 assists, which shows how lethal they have been.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain: Kylian Mbappé/ Mauro Icardi/ Neymar Jr
While the presence of RB Leipzig’s trident in the list might surprise a few, Paris Saint-Germain’s holy trinity of Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Mauro Icardi occupying the first spot shouldn’t come as a shock.
French superstar Mbappé has already racked up an impressive tally of 30 goals across all competitions, besides providing 17 assists. The 21-year-old has once again proved his worth through his stupendous displays for the Ligue 1 champions.
With Mbappé and Neymar on both flanks, Mauro Icardi has found it easy to settle in Paris. The Argentine forward has already scored on 20 occasions for PSG, with the club making his move from Inter Milan permanent recently.
Despite having a below-par season by his own standards, Neymar has almost matched Icardi’s figure with 18 goals to his name. Besides, the flamboyant Brazilian has also provided 10 assists.
So far this season, PSG’s front-three have managed to score a staggering 68 goals, along with 31 assists.
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