Player Watch: The Front Line

Ruud van Nistelrooy currently playing at Real Madrid where he has scored 41 goals in 61 games since arriving in 2006 from Manchester United.

He has been the top scorer in three different European leagues as well as having been the top goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League on three occasions.

Ruud has also score 31 goals in 61 games for the national side. Van Nistelrooy has only recently been included in the Dutch squad after a drop of form and a falling out with Van Basten over the 2006 World Cup. However after an impressive debut season with Real Madrid where he finished top scorer he has reclaimed his place after talks with the coach.

One of the best strikers in Dutch history Van Nistelrooy may be looking to prove himself once again on the international front.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar was named Dutch Football Talent of the Year and Ajax ‘Player of the year’ in 2006. Due to his goal-scoring ability he has earned the nickname ‘The Hunter’. He was a part of the Dutch side that won the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, where he became the tournament’s leading goal-scorer. He was also named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament. He is the all-time highest goal-scorer for the Netherlands U21 squad with 18 goals in 22 matches. In domestic football he was Eredivisie’s top scorer in the 2005-06 season with 33 goals in 31 games. He also became the top scorer in the 2007-08 season with 33 goals in 34 appearances wearing the captains arm-band in the absence of Stam and Davids.

At only 24-years old Huntelaar is a real young talent and with links to Manchester United and Real Madrid looks set to leave Ajax sooner rather than later. A real gem of a player.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselinkcurrently plays for Scottish Premier League champions Celtic and has one of the longest name’s in European football.

At 6-foot-3 he provides an aerial presence in the box. Despite his height he is also very good with the ball at his feet. Vennegoor of Hesselink is a regular call-up for the national team but is played more as a reserve striker behind Van Nistelrooy and possibly Huntelaar.

Dirk Kuyt currently plays for Liverpool where he was bought as a striker but now is often deployed as a winger. He is renowned for his work-rate.

Made his name in Europe when playing for Feyenoord where he scored 71 goals in 101 games. However since his move to the Premiership he has struggled to find goals, but has proven to be a valuable team member with his hard-work on the wings. Will most likely play second fiddle to Van Persie.

Player to watch: Ruud Van Nistelrooy, on his day is one of the most dangerous strikers in the world.