We miss the buildup, the passing, the precision that precede a goal, as much as we do the ensuing ecstasy and the tailor-made celebrations. With goals galore all across Europe this past season, it’s hard to recall one particular move of exquisite beauty. We’ve done that for you, and now all you need to do is pick the one that defined an entire season. Can a goal make (or break) someone’s career? We’re eager to hear what you have to say.
Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao, Copa del Rey final)
FC Barcelona’s star attacker Lionel Messi scored a fantastic goal against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final last month. Barcelona had won the game 3-1 to lift the title and Messi had scored the opening goal. The Argentine genius ran down the right flank where he was marked by three opponent players. He dodged past one of them, nutmegged another defender and entered the penalty box. Thereafter he dribbled past one more defender and launched a curling shot which mesmerized everyone and went inside the goal. It was indeed a goal to remember.
Charlie Adam (Chelsea vs Stoke City, Premier League)
Stoke City’s Scottish midfielder Charlie Adam netted a wonder goal against Premier League champions Chelsea FC in April. Chelsea took the lead at the beginning of the game but Stoke restored parity through Adam’s unbelievable goal. Adam received a ball in his own half from a fellow player and took an attempt at Chelsea goal which was left empty by Thibaut Courtois. Adam was intelligent enough to see the opportunity and took an attempt which ultimately resulted in a fantastic goal. Arguably, Charlie Adam’s finish was the best goal of the Premier League this season.
Carlos Tevez (Juventus vs Parma, Serie A)
Carlos Tevez is known for his skillful moves, speedy runs and his ability to bulldoze past defenders and score goals. His goal against Parma in the Italian Serie A this season aptly compliments his features. The Argentine striker used his physical strength to win a ball from an opponent defender in his own half. After that he almost ran down the entire length of the pitch, dribbled past two defenders, approached the goal and calmly found the back of the net. It was a brilliant solo effort displayed by Carlos Tevez.
Bobby Zamora (West Bromwich Albion vs QPR, Premier League)
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Relegated side Queen’s Park Ranger’ one of the bright moments of the season was their veteran English striker Bobby Zamora’s sensational finish against West Bromwich Albion at the stroke of half time. Zamora received a long ball from the midfield and approached the opponent’s penalty box. West Brom’s Joleon Lescott marked the striker well and did not allow him any space. Zamora used his presence of mind and attempted an audacious chip from the edge of the penalty box which dipped into the goal over the goalkeeper. The goal appeared to be on of the best goals in the Premier League this season.
Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg vs Lille, Europa League)
Kevin De Bruyne’s pile-driving shot against Lille in the Europa League was undoubtedly one of the best goals of the season. Divock Origi’s penalty goal gave the French side the lead in the 77th minute. De Bruyne then scored a fantastic volley goal to equalise within five minutes. A corner was curled in by one the Wolfsburg players which was half-heartedly cleared by the Lille defense. The Belgian midfielder did not allow the ball to land and jolted a volley which resulted in an eye-catching goal.
