Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate is a Colombian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, for whom he also serves as captain, and the Colombia national team. He is sometimes nicknamed "El Tigre" (Spanish for The Tiger) or "King of the Europa League".[3][4] Falcao began his professional career at the age of 13 at Lanceros Boyaca, before moving to Argentinian club River Plate where he won the 2007–08 Clausura tournament. In 2009, he joined Portuguese club Porto where he won several trophies, including the Europa League and Primeira Liga double in 2011. Falcao became their all-time top goalscorer in international club competitions and set the record for most goals (17) in a European campaign. He also became the first Colombian to receive the Portuguese Golden Ball award. In August 2011, Falcao transferred to Atlético Madrid for a club record €40 million, leading them to Europa League and Super Cup victories in 2012. Falcao finished as top goalscorer for the second straight year and became the first player to win consecutive Europa League titles with two different teams. In May 2013, Falcao joined newly promoted Monaco for a club record €60 million; however, an ACL injury ruled him out for several months. Falcao spent the next two seasons on loan at Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea, eventually rejoining Monaco in 2016 and leading them to Ligue 1 title for the 2016–17 season. Falcao made his senior debut for Colombia in 2007 and has since earned over 70 caps and scored 29 goals, making him their all-time top scorer. He represented the country at the 2011 and 2015 Copa América, but missed the 2014 FIFA World Cup through injury. Style of play
Falcao has been described as a "natural goal scorer" and a striker with the "ability to bag a goal from nothing". His abilities to adapt to most positions and scoring goals with various parts of his body has resulted in goals. Described as a "poacher", Falcao is often labeled as a "pure striker", often playing as a traditional "number 9" and capitalizing on less amount of chances that are given to him than the typical goal scorer. His footing and curves are highly noticeable through his games regardless of distance and/or positions. Falcao is well known for having a strong weak foot (left) that is on equals with his right foot (preference), allowing him to be flexible with goal scoring. Falcao controls a well-balanced pace, helping him keep his stamina in check and allowing him to often outrun other players in the most critical battling-for-the-ball moments. The strength of his shots is often well controlled, in terms of distance and angles, as shown throughout his career. While Falcao is only of average height, his header technique has given him an edge in aerial battles for balls. His most impressive goals tend to be headers, with the majority of his goals coming from the air. Falcao's talents have been recognized by former and current football players. Former Barcelona and current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described him as "sensational" and as one of the most talented in the world. Fabio Capello has considered him to be on the same level as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Former Atlético Madrid teammate Gabi said in 2012 that he thought Falcao was the best header in the world. |
