Star Spotlight

Hulk, Porto

The impressively named forward is setting alight football pitches all over Europe.  Responsible for 16 goals this season, having scored 13 himself, the Brazilian striker is fast becoming the complete package.  Ridiculously strong, with a killer eye for goal, his runs into the box have given opposing coaches nightmares.  With a given name of Givanildo Vieira de Souza proving to be a bit of a handful, he was christened Hulk during his time in Japan, as fans likened him to the green comic book character due to his strength and stocky build.  With Brazil always well stocked, he looks unlikely to add to his two friendly caps, but expect more goals and highlights from Europe’s most explosive striker.

Kenny Miller, Rangers

Even though the Scottish League is not the strongest in the world, one can only beat what is in front of you.  With that in mind, one can only appreciate, nay marvel, at the consistency of Rangers latest scoring sensation, Kenny Miller.  With 18 goals and an assist in 13 starts, Miller has further boosted his reputation with a goal and helper in three games for the national side.  Cool under pressure and able to pounce on even a half-chance, Miller has already hit two away hat tricks in the league.  Expect a bucket load of goals at the end of the season and perhaps even a return transfer south of Hadrian’s wall.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel, Utrecht

Being World Soccer legend and national icon Johann Cruyff’s son in law, may have stunted many other players, but not Ricky van Wolfswinkel.  Utrecht’s prolific player up front, with a name suited more to a Brothers’ Grimm fairy tale than a football pitch, has arrived on the scene in spectacular fashion, with goals aplenty for the Dutch outfit with top six aspirations.  Having the hit the net 10 times in 13 games is a great start for the player’s third season in the top flight, having never gotten to double digits before.  Add to that the seven goals in six games in the Europa League, including a hat trick against Celtic, and Utrecht may well have a fight on their hands to hold on to the 21 year old at season’s end.

Alexander Kerzhakov, Zenit St. Petersburg

Zenit have already wrapped up the Russian league campaign but have their sights set firmly on European domination, the first stop being the 2011 Europa League.  A repeat of their 2008 win would require experienced Russian marksman Kerzhakov to continue his prolific ways.  The former Sevilla striker has hit 13 leagues goals to go with his two goals in as many games for the national side during the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.  Moreover, his only continental appearance, in the aforementioned Europa League group stage, yielded an impressive 79 minute hat-trick at Belgian giants Anderlecht.  Composed and cultured when leading the Zenit attack, Alexander may yet reign supreme.