Top 10 Goals of 2011!

Published online at SQ on December 3rd 2011


In light of Darren Ambrose's wonder strike for Crystal Palace to dump Manchester Utd out of the Carling Cup in mid week,  claimed to be the 'best goal Utd have conceded at home', I have decided to give you my most memorable goals of the year. A real feast for the eyes.

Golo Guarin - FC Porto vs Marítimo

Considered by many to be European goal of the year (yes Rooney), the audacity of Guarin to  attempt a strike from such a distance surprises even him when it rockets its way into the top corner. The 84km/h shot was purely unstoppable, and ranks up there with some of the best long range efforts ever seen in world football.  It dipped, it swerved and out maneuvered the keeper to shoot itself right to the top of our list, and deservedly so.

Lionel Messi - FC Barcelona vs Real Madrid

No list would ever be complete without a contribution from the little Argentine, and picking his best goal was a challenge in itself (I nearly went for this beauty against Arsenal). Yet his piece of individual brilliance against Real Madrid in the semi final of the Champions League demonstrated just how good he is. Clearly disinterested in giving Mourinho's men any chance of winning, Messi picks the ball up just inside the opposition half and proceeds to beat 5 Madrid player with consummate ease and cooly slot the ball past a flailing Casillas. Running at world class defenders in one of the biggest games in football never looked so easy as when 'The Magician' decides to get involved. Majestic.

Wayne Rooney - Manchester Utd vs Manchester City

It was always going to be included. THAT Rooney goal as it's often referred to now has become his Cantona moment. In a tight Manchester derby, little looked to separate the 2 teams, but the class of Rooney was the difference between the sides on the day. A good, but not undefendable cross from Nani, looking to fly behind Rooney's head was met with a sailing right foot which sent the ball over a motionless Joe Hart. Like something out of Fifa, Rooney cites the goal as his best ever, and it seems hard to believe he will ever score a more impressive, memorable goal in his career. But there's always time.

Dejan Stankovic - Inter Milan vs Shalke 04

There a number of outrageous own half attempts that go horribly wrong and make players look like arrogant fools. But when they come off, and in the manner of which Stankovic's did against Shalke 04 in the Champions League last season makes it all worth while. After a booming headed clearance from the keeper, he'd probably thought he'd done enough to stem the pressure for the moment But in immediate reply, Stankovic responded with a extraordinary volley from just in side Shalke's half, which flew its way into a empty net. Technically brilliant, the control and confidence needed to smash the ball home remains one of the standout goals from 2010/11 Champions League campaigns.

Sergio Aguero - Manchester City vs Swansea

This may not be the most astonishing goal of 2011, but what is signified was what made it so special. One of the most dazzling debuts in recent memory, Aguero only played the last 25 minutes against Swansea, but managed to notch 2 goals and an assist in that time. Striking fear across the rest of the Premier League, his energy and control was unstoppable, and this goal set to immediately justify his £38 million price tag. He hasn't done bad since either, racking up 12 goals in 18 appearances so far this season, he's sure to score many more great goals as the season progresses.

Andre Iniesta - Barcelona vs Viktoria Plzen

Barcelona could have a goal reel dedicated just to them with the exquisite football they continue to play year in year out.  This goal against Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League group stages exemplified everything Barcelona about Barcelona. Quick, one touch passing, fast movement, perfect control and a cool finish. Just oozing with class. Like all of their goals.

Neymar - Santos vs Flamengo

At just 19, the Brazilian striker is already being nicknamed 'The New Pele', and for good reason. His pace, movement, skill and finishing ability are all on clear demonstration with this wonder goal against Flamengo in the Brazilian league. His electrifying speed and unbelievable pieces of skill (check :25 in the video, I still can't figure out how he did it) led to one the best individual goals of the last few years. Unfortunately, however, he's agreed to stay on at Santos until at least 2014, so we won't be seeing him in the Premier League anytime soon, but he'll be high on the priority list of teams across the world.

Giovanni Dos Santos - Mexico vs U.S.A.

The only international goal on the list, Giovanni Dos Santos' inch perfect chip against U.S.A. in this years Gold Cup Final sealed the win in emphatic fashion. In a tight space, surrounded by defenders, Dos Santos managed to carve just a foot of space to slot the ball into the only part of the goal available, looping tantalisingly over the U.S. defender into the top corner. Top marks for innovation, and even better marks its delivery.

Ivan Perisic - Borussia Dortmund vs Arsenal

Amongst a host of top Champions League goals, highlighting the calibre of the tournament, Ivan Perisic's last minute equaliser against Arsenal is certainly up there. As Dortmund desperately searched for a point against the Gunners, up stood Perisic to take matters into his own hands, and smash a left footed volley perfectly into the top corner. A stunned Szczesny could do nothing as the ball floated (what seemed like an age) into his path, and with perfect technique, guided the ball home. Unfortunately, it looks like his efforts were futile as Dortmund look pretty certain to sink out of the campaign this year, the strike was admirable nonetheless.

Gareth Bale - Tottenham vs Inter Milan

The performance that put his price tag up £5 million alone, Bale's scintillating hat - trick against Inter Milan in the San Siro was on the most impressive individual performances from a British player abroad in recent memory. Despite scoring 3, almost identical goals, it is his first that was marked the most impressive. Starting from deep inside his own half, Bale made Samuel and Zambrotta, 2 of world football's most experienced defenders look like mere schoolboys, as he breezed past them and harrowed a powerful shot into the bottom corner. The tight angle, the pressure, and the distance he'd covered all contributed to  what was a fantstic effort from the Welshman, and worthy of much more than the consolation it was.

Some that didn't make the cut

Thomas Muller - Bayern Munich vs AS Roma

Eden Hazard - Lille vs Marseille

Heather O' Reilly - U.S.A. vs Columbia

Who makes it to your top 10? Do you agree with this list? I want to know! Make sure to comment with your thoughts and opinions!