In a season where power seemed to shift from the Spanish to the Germans, one thing remained unchanged, the freedom with which attackers hit the back of the net. Lionel Messi went strong in 2012 by breaking a record that many thought untouchable, Robert Lewandowski took Dortmund to new heights with his goalscoring prowess in the Champions League, Robin Van Persie proved to be just the addition that Manchester United needed to win the league, Cristiano Ronaldo scored at will in all competitions, while Falcaoai??i??s eye for goal saw Atletico Madrid win the Copa del Rey.
Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
The Barcelona star was at his goal scoring best in 2012, breaking Gerd MA?llerai??i??s incredible feat of 85 goals in a single calendar year. Messi bettered the record with 91 in 2012 and carried his form into 2013 as he scored 25 in the remainder of this season. In terms of silverware this may not have been the best season for Messi as his club won just the La Liga but his worth was most obvious in the Champions League as Barcelona were almost useless without the Argentineai??i??s services. His phenomenal showing against AC Milan was followed by a remarkable cameo against Paris Saint Germain where he created the crucial equalizer that saw Barcelona through to the semi-final.
Robert Lewandowski (Borussia Dortmund)
The Polish striker was in scintillating form this season as he spearheaded a relatively unknown Borussia Dortmund attack to the finals of Europeai??i??s biggest club competition. Lewandowski also came within inches of grabbing the top goalscorer award in the Bundesliga as well. Having amassed a total of 36 goals in just 49 games, Lewandowski showed a keen eye for goal. But his contributions didnai??i??t end just there as he provided 13 assists and also showcased a variety of other traits that one almost never associates with an out and out striker. His club may not have added any silverware to their trophy cabinet but Dortmundai??i??s rise was nothing short of a sensation and at the center of it all was Lewandowski.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
This may not have been the best season for Real Madrid but as always Cristiano Ronaldo was scoring goals at a rate of knots. Top scorer in the Champions League despite an average showing from his club makes Ronaldo a frontrunner for almost any award. His league form was just as good as he notched up 34 goals in 34 appearances. To add to this, he averaged a goal a game in the Copa del Rey as well. Ronaldo was most impressive in the season opening Supercopa as he bagged a goal in each leg against fierce rivals Barcelona. His superb brace against the Catalan giants in the Copa del Rey gave him the one-up on rival Leo Messi as well.
Robin van Persie (Manchester United)
The Dutchman surprised many when he made a move from Arsenal to Manchester United in the summer of 2012. Following the arrival of Shinji Kagawa some even thought the addition of van Persie to be unnecessary but he has proven them all wrong. Leading the frontline, van Persie has almost single handedly led the Red Devils to a Premier League triumph. En route to their victory van Persie scored 26 goals in the Premier League, making him the top scorer in the league. It may take a little more support to see this van Persie led side take Europe by storm, but the influence that this man has had on the club cannot be ignored.
Falcao (Atletico Madrid)
Most people expected the UEFA Super Cup to be a closely fought affair but a certain Columbian had other plans. Showcasing incredible skill, pace and power, Falcao mauled Chelsea in unthinkable fashion to give Atletico Madrid the trophy. His brilliance didnai??i??t stop just there as he scored 28 goals in the La Liga, helping Atletico keep pace with city rivals for Real Madrid for most of the season. To top it all off Falcao assisted one goal in their memorable Copa del Rey triumph, thereby giving his club two trophies this season. His move to Monaco will leave behind a gaping hole in the Atletico lineup and there isnai??i??t an inkling of doubt that the heavy spending French side have signed an absolute sensation.
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