Former AC Milan and Italy star defender Alessandro Costacurta rates Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain as the best striker in current football.
Argentine Higuain, 28, has scored an astounding 33 goals in just 34 Serie A games this season.
With two more this evening against Frosinone, he'll equal the all-time scoring record of 35 set by Gunnar Nordahl in 1949-50.
"I have absolutely no doubts in saying the most difficult forward to mark right now is Higuain. Why? Because he is currently the best striker in the world," Costacurta was quoted as saying by football-italia.net on Saturday.
"He has demolished records that lasted for so many years, but that's not all. Today Higuain is the toughest to mark because he's so good at moving off the ball and has this innate understanding of where the move is going to go," the 50-year-old added.
"His unpredictability is his greatest strength, as well of course as his technical quality, but that's not a new discovery."
More From This Section
Costacurta, who spent all his career at Milan playing 663 matches, hoped that former Real Madrid hitman Higuain stays with Napoli in the next season.
As confirmed by Napoli, Higuain's current deal has a 94 million euro release clause. He has been linked to various English clubs, including Chelsea.
"I hope he stays, as it'd be an important sign for Napoli and Serie A," continued Costacurta.
"The team has to improve its strength in depth, as in key moments this term they lacked someone who could come off the bench and change a game."
"(Coach) Maurizio Sarri deserves credit for getting the best out of Higuain, as the team works to provide him with service. This is why he put in such extraordinary performances."
--IANS
pur/bg