Best Second Strikers in the World Right Now: In football, there are plenty of second strikers—players who move smoothly between midfield and attack, showing great skill and creativity.
By 2024, players like Paulo Dybala of AS Roma, Thomas Muller from Bayern Munich, Joao Felix from Barcelona, and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid have all excelled in this role. These players have become successful not only through standout moments but also by contributing with key goals, and assists.
These players bring a combination of skill, vision, and versatility to the game, adding that special spark to modern attacking football.
Best Second Strikers in the World Right Now
Based on the 2023/24 season’s data, it’s clear they are invaluable assets for their teams.
1. Paulo Dybala
- Date of Birth: November 15, 1993
Paulo Dybala is considered the most talented second strikers in modern football. Since joining AS Roma, Dybala has revived his career and become a key player in José Mourinho’s attacking strategy.
In the 2023/24 season, he was crucial for Roma, scoring and providing assists when needed. His ability to play between the lines and link up with the attack made him an essential part of the team.
With his trademark left foot, Dybala also played a key role in set-piece goals and stunning attacking moves. In 2024, he helped his national team win the Copa America.
Paulo Dybala 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 42
- Goals: 18
- Assists: 13
Achievements: Dybala played a key role in helping Roma secure the Serie A Team of the Year in 2023/24. He was also named Serie A Player of the Month in November 2023, February 2024, and April 2024. His leadership on the field, combined with his flair, made him a fan favorite at the Stadio Olimpico.
2. Thomas Müller
- Date of Birth: September 13, 1989
Thomas Müller, known as the ‘Raumdeuter’, has taken the second striker role to another level with his exceptional spatial awareness and intelligence.
In the 2023/24 season, Müller was once again vital to Bayern Munich’s success, driving attacks and involving his teammates.
His smart runs into space and precise passing helped Bayern push for another Bundesliga title. At 28, Müller showed no signs of slowing down, still displaying his impressive work rate and football IQ.
Thomas Müller 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 45
- Goals: 14
- Assists: 18
Achievements: Müller’s leadership and experience were instrumental in Bayern’s domestic dominance. His adaptability and team-first mentality made him a cornerstone of their success in both the league and Champions League.
3. João Félix
- Date of Birth: November 10, 1999
João Félix’s move to Barcelona during his career resurgence saw him play as a second striker under Xavi.
Félix added a lot to Barcelona’s attack with his smooth dribbling, creativity, and ability to break down defenses, having a liberating effect on the team. He is highly versatile and, in the 2023/24 season, often drops deeper to create plays or moves wide to exploit space.
His partnership with Robert Lewandowski grew into a formidable duo, making them a constant threat to defenses across Europe. Now in 2024 He permanently join Chelsea.
João Félix 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 40
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 12
Achievements: Félix played a key role in Barcelona’s La Liga title defense and their strong Champions League run, showing glimpses of the potential that earned him his blockbuster transfer fee earlier in his career.
4. Ademola Lookman
Date of Birth: October 20, 1997
Ademola Lookman’s rise at Atalanta has been impressive. When he joined the Serie A side, the Nigerian international added energy and unpredictability to their attack in the 2023/24 season.
Lookman used his pace and skill to challenge defenders, and his clinical finishing made him a key player when playing as a second striker. His ability to take on defenders and create chances was a valuable asset to Atalanta’s high-pressure style of play.
Ademola Lookman 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 38
- Goals: 17
- Assists: 10
Achievements: Lookman’s performances were key in helping Atalanta secure European qualification, making him one of Serie A’s standout attackers. He was named Atalanta Player of the Season for both 2022–23 and 2023–24, as well as being included in the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament in 2023. Additionally, he earned a spot in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season for 2023–24.
5. Albert Gudmundsson
- Date of Birth: June 15, 1997
Albert Guðmundsson, a breakout star and former European U21 champion, played a crucial role for Genoa.
The Icelandic forward was central to their attacking transitions, helping the team’s attack thrive with his sharp passing, ability to hold up play, and lethal finishing. He was one of the most underrated talents in the league during the 2023/24 season.
Albert Gudmundsson 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 37
- Goals: 14
- Assists: 8
Achievements: Guðmundsson’s contributions kept Genoa competitive in Serie A, and his consistent performances put him on the radar of bigger clubs across Europe.
6. Giacomo Raspadori
- Date of Birth: February 18, 2000
In the 2023/24 season, Giacomo Raspadori became a key player for Napoli. As a second striker, his technical skills were matched with excellent positioning, making him a constant attacking threat.
His sharp movement and ability to score important goals helped Napoli become a more fluid and dangerous attacking team.
Giacomo Raspadori 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 44
- Goals: 15
- Assists: 11
Achievements: Raspadori’s development into a reliable scorer and creator helped Napoli remain competitive in Serie A and Europe.
7. Adam Hlozek
- Date of Birth: July 25, 2002
Bayer Leverkusen saw Adam Hložek shine in the 2023/24 season. Playing as a second striker, the Czech forward linked the midfield and attack effortlessly.
Hložek’s powerful shots and strong aerial presence gave Leverkusen a fresh attacking option.
Adam Hlozek 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 41
- Goals: 13
- Assists: 9
Achievements: Hložek’s performances were crucial in helping Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title and the DFB-Pokal in the 2023–24 season.
8. Lucas Beltrán
- Date of Birth: March 29, 2001
The signing of Lucas Beltrán by Fiorentina proved to be a great decision, as his switch to the second striker role in Serie A paid off. His pressing ability, agility, and clinical finishing made him a standout player during the 2023/24 season.
Fiorentina’s strong performances were largely due to Beltrán’s hard work and determination on the field.
Lucas Beltrán 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 39
- Goals: 14
- Assists: 10
Achievements:Beltrán quickly became a fan favorite at Fiorentina, earning praise for his commitment and flair. His impressive performances also earned him a spot in the Argentine Primera División Team of the Season for 2023.
9. Antoine Griezmann
- Date of Birth: March 21, 1991
Antoine Griezmann is one of the top second strikers in world football. In the 2023/24 season with Atletico Madrid, he continued to impress with his intelligent movement, playmaking skills, and ability to score important goals.
Griezmann’s versatility in stepping into different roles made him a key player for Diego Simeone’s side.
Antoine Griezmann 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 45
- Goals: 19
- Assists: 15
Achievements: Griezmann led Atletico to a strong La Liga finish and deep runs in cup competitions, reaffirming his status as a world-class forward.
10. Rafa
- Date of Birth: May 17, 1993
In the 2023/24 season, Rafa Silva was one of Benfica’s most important players due to his speed and technical ability.
Playing as a second striker, he used his skills to create space and deliver passes that broke down defenses. His involvement in goals was crucial to Benfica’s success both domestically and in Europe.
Rafa 2023/24 Stats:
- Matches: 40
- Goals: 16
- Assists: 12
Achievements: Rafa was key to Benfica’s title aspirations in the Primeira Liga and their strong Champions League performances.