A gem of a striker, Samuel Eto’o has impressed one and all with his goal scoring capabilities. Saurabh Datar traces the magnificent rise of this brilliant striker.
The first word that comes to your mind when you say Eto’o is goal. One word is adequate to describe this gem of a striker. Starting out his career at Real Madrid, he never really could make it to the first team and had to make do with playing for Real Madrid B, which got relegated. After a short loan spell, he joined RCD Mallorca on a loan deal (which was later made permanent) and soon proved himself to be the best target man for the club, notching a club record of 54 goals. He also won the Copa del Rey with the club, and the fans were reportedly very happy with his performance. 
But his career graph was to take off even further from here, when he joined FC Barcelona in the summer of 2004. He quickly established himself in the team and scored 25 goals in the la Liga, narrowly missing out on the Pichichi, the name given to the Spanish top scorer, to David Villa.
Eto’o’s main strength is his pace and razor sharp finishing abilities, which have helped him, become one of the most feared frontmen in the world. The following season was even better, when Eto’o scored 34 goals in 48 appearances, a conversion ratio few can boast off. He also grabbed the top scoring honour in la Liga.
He also won the Champions’ League with them, the same year, scoring the equalising goal after the Catalans failed to capitalise after Eto’o was brought down by Jens Lehmann. Injuries took some goals off his quota of goals in the following season which otherwise would have seen the back of a lot of nets. But last season, he announced his return with style, scoring a total of 36 goals in 54 appearances
Eto’o thrives on aggression and his dynamic abilities leave many a defenders guessing. His nimble footedness and agility help him zip past players with ease. But he also works as a provider, wherein at Barcelona, he plays sometimes as a makeshift winger, to give more room to Thierry Henry. Time and again, Rijkaard has used him as the temporary winger on the left and his simple ground balls spell horror for the opposition’s defences. He also tracks back very well defensively, and his strength (which to some might be a surprise given his physique) is a weapon during defence and of course, during attacks.
His role in Cameroon sees him shoulder much more responsibility and he takes on a calmer role in international games, adopting a much more reserved and tactical approach to the game. His laurels include African Player of the Year, UEFA Champions’ league Best Forward and many others.
Now that he’s move to Inter Milan has been finalised, the Nerazzurri will definitely offer newer challenges to this ever hungry poacher.
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