Football requires both skill, practice and fitness. Strength is the not the most important factor in the game but footballers with huge physical presence can have a massive advantage in either attack or defence. Football has seen strong players in the past and below are the top 10 strongest players in world football.
#10 – ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC – PARIS ST GERMAIN – SWEDEN
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is without a doubt one of the world’s finest footballers guaranteeing goals where ever the tall Swede goes. Ibra’s build and athleticism makes him one the most feared opponents for defenders. The Swede is the perfect striker and enters the list at number ten.
#9 – CHRISTIAN BENTEKE – ASTON VILLA – BELGIUM
Christian Benteke’s strength and power at the spearhead of Aston Villa’s attack made him one of the most feared strikers in his debut season for the Villains. Benteke’s second season has been injury plagued but the Belgian is a big threat to his opponents due to his strength and aerial threat; entering our list at number nine.
#8 – GIORGIO CHIELLINI – JUVENTUS – ITALY
Giorgio Chiellini enters the list at number eight with the Italian leading his Juventus side to yet another Scudetto last season. He is a brave, strong defender which coupled with his physical strength makes him one of the best in the world. The 29 year old puts his body on the line for his team and leads through example in Italy.
#7 – ROMELU LUKAKU – CHELSEA – BELGIUM
Romelu Lukaku’s abilities have made a name for himself in world football as well as his physical presence. At Goodison Park on loan last campaign, his Chelsea future remains uncertain. The young Belgian is similar to former Chelsea hero Didier Drogba using his strength and power to unsettle the defender. He is amongst the strongest in the world entering the list at number seven.
#6 – YAYA TOURE – MANCHESTER CITY – IVORY COAST
Yaya Toure has spent recent seasons as the powerhouse in Manchester City’s star studded midfield. Last season was arguably the Ivorian’s best, ramping his way through teams single handed on occasions in City’s title winning season. Toure is a giant powerful figure with wonderful technique making him one of the best in the world.
#5 – CHRIS SAMBA – DYNAMO MOSCOW – CONGO
Chris Samba was a wall in Blackburn Rovers’ defence during his time in England. Although his time at QPR was not what he was hoping for, Samba is a huge obstacle to overcome in any defence. The Congo international is a man mountain currently plying his trade in Russia with Dynamo Moscow. Samba tips the scale at 100kgs which enables him to easily dominate the penalty area.
#4 – VICTOR WANYAMA – SOUTHAMPTON – KENYA
Victor Wanyama is the highest ranking top level player after switching Scotland for England, leaving Celtic to join Southampton. Wanyama stands over six feet tall and is one of the most immensely powerful midfielders in the league. The Kenyan’s first season has been hit with injuries which the 23 year old hopes will change for next season in order to make a name for himself at St Marys.
#3 – GEORGE ELOKOBI – FREE AGENT – CAMEROON
Despite being just 5’9” tall, George Elokobi is one of the world’s strongest players. The former Wolves defender was part of the side which survived in the Premier League on the last day of the season back in 2011. Elokobi is a colossal figure but our number one in the list said there is no doubt that he would beat the 28 year old in an arm wrestle.
#2 – DANNY SHITTU – MILLWALL – NIGERIA
Danny Shittu is the runner up in our list of the 10 strongest players in world football. In his prime, Shittu was a fantastic Championship defender who was technically good as well as possessing godly strength. However due to his size and build, he was easily exposed at Premier League level due to his lack of pace.
#1 – ADEBAYO AKINFENWA – AFC WIMBLEDON – ENGLAND
Who else could be the number one strongest footballer in the world? Adebayo Akinfenwa has gained a reputation due to his strength and weighs over 16 stone. Akinfenwa is built like a tank and is a veteran of England’s lower leagues. Akinfenwa claimed that his arms were probably to same size of John Terry’s legs and no-one is going to argue with him. Once the Englishman enters ‘Beast mode’, there is seemingly no going back…
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Source: DSG
