Where does Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio rank among the world’s best distance shooters?

8. Lionel Messi

It is not a hidden fact that Lionel Messi is probably one of the best long-range goal scorers of modern football. The Argentine has, at every stage outdone his underwhelming stature and knocked up a hoard of beautiful goals from spots one could only imagine of attempting it, let alone score. The 2021 Ballon D’or winner is known for many things and terrifying goalkeepers with his shooting skills is one out of the huge lot.

Trolls claim that after his transfer to Paris Saint Germain, Messi’s performances have been quite run-of-the-mill and to some extent, it is true. It’s evident that the 34-year-old has suffered a dip in his game quality for which there could be several reasons but if we believe the words of his former teammate and dear friend Luis Suarez, it’s mostly because of the cold weather in France.

Speaking of statistics, Messi still competes with the best distant goal scorers today. Across all competitions, he averages around 2 out of the box shots per game, a pretty decent number. The player has attempted a total of 34 distant shots being able to convert only 3 of them into goals, the credit for which goes to his endless romance with the woodwork.

Fate has not favoured the Argentine lately but his name is enough to remind you that he is capable of turning things around in a snap.

7. Ruslan Malinovskyi

Ruslan Malinovskyi is one of the many hidden gems who are not talked about enough in Gasperini’s generational Atalanta side. Interestingly, this player is so explosive and crucial for the Serie A club that the team’s progressions revolve around his game and the manager even implemented a switch in formations to put Malinovskyi at the best of his disposal.

The Ukrainian has displayed immense ability to score charged goals while being yards away from the goalkeeper’s den. His thunderous left foot is subject to regular praise among commentators and fans and in no time he has become an integral part of the squad while also assisting countless ups on the scoresheet.

Malinovskyi is still a new name on the list but with consistency and more limelight he can definitely swap with the top players on the index.