Image via Complex Original
The great goals and jaw-dropping assists were in no short supply this week. Domestic action took center stage with most top-flight leagues back in action following the winter break. Where you at, Bundesliga? Lionel Messi returned to haunt Getafe, and Paul Pogba continues to amaze us on a weekly basis with his displays in Turin. We’re more than halfway through most campaigns, and the picture continues to come more into focus as far as who will finish where come May. From Hernanes’ Heroics in Udine to Kenny Cunningham’s thumper down under, enjoy MLK day with this week’s GIF Gallery: The Best Golazos and Skill Moves of the Week.
Written by Adam Silvers (@silversurfer103)
15. Jordan Henderson's Cheeky Flick
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Liverpool v. Aston Villa
Competition: English Premier League
Ground: Anfield, Liverpool, England
It was a wild, and somewhat controversial, affair at Anfield on Saturday, but this cheeky little Jordan Henderson back heel flick was a moment of fine skill. Great finish by Sturridge under pressure, too.
14. Paul Pogba's Precision Pass
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Juventus v. Sampdoria
Competition: Serie A
Ground: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
In addition to the solo golazo he scored later in the match, Pogba shows he's no one-trick pony with this perfectly weighted through ball. Neat finish from Vidal, but the bulk of the credit has to go to Paul Pogba. What a player.
13. Giampaolo Pazzini's Volley
Date: 1/15/2014
Match: AC Milan v. Spezia
Competition: Coppa Italia, Round of 16
Ground: San Siro, Milan
This is a brilliant pick out to find Pazzini's well-timed run. The Italian does all the rest with a neat sliding volley.
12. Serio Aguero Leaves Cardiff in Fits
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Manchester City v. Cardiff
Competition: English Premier League
Ground: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Think Aguero has put his injury behind him? Kun bears down on goal before twisting his defender like a top, and firing past the Cardiff keeper.
11. Gareth Bale's Free Kick Leaves the Betis Keeper Rooted
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Real Betis v. Real Madrid
Competition: La Liga
Ground: Benito Villamarin, Sevilla, Spain
Check out this free kick from the Welsh wizard. The Betis keeper did a fantastic job of staying rooted to his spot during this match. Why even bother when you're playing against the likes of Ronaldo and Bale?
10. Wilfried Bony's Perfect Placement
Date: 1/19/2014
Match: Swansea v. Tottenham
Competition: English Premier League
Ground: Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales
The game was well and done by this point, but take nothing away from this Wilfried Bony strike. Placement more than power, but skillful nonetheless.
9. Lucas Ocampos's Acrobatic Finish
Date: 1/19/2014
Match: Toulouse v. Monaco
Competition: Ligue One
Ground: Municipal Toulouse, Touluse, France
Check out Ocampos with the acrobatic overhead finish. Great pick out and a sensational first time finish from the Argentine.
8. Jay Rodriguez's Turn and Finish
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Sunderland v. Southampton
Competition: English Premier League
Ground: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
Not quite sure what the Sunderland defense is doing, but this is a terrific take, turn, and finish from Jay Rodriguez. Despite the 2-0 lead, the Saints had to settle for the draw.
7. Lionel Messi Takes on the Entire Getafe Defense, and Wins
Date: 1/16/2014
Match: Getafe v Barcelona
Competition: Copa del Rey, Round of 16
Ground: Coliseum Alfonso Perez, Getafe, Spain
Remember when Messi was out for a couple of months? Yeah, neither do we. Just count the defenders he leaves in his dust, before rounding the keeper for the finish.
6. Yohan Cabaye's Curling Effort
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: West Ham v. Newcastle
Competition: English Premier League
Ground: Upton Park, London
Yohan Cabaye has been at the center of plenty of transfer speculation this January, and with goals like this it's not hard to see why. There's no question as to the Frenchman's talents. What a curler.
5. Paul Pogba's Sensational Solo Strike
Date: 1/18/0204
Match: Juventus v. Sampdoria
Competition: Serie A
Ground: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy
Think Manchester United could use Paul Pogba right about now? This beauty looks like it gains speed as it fly's into the back of the net. This guy is going to be so much fun to watch over the next decade or so.
4. Zackarias Faour Puts the World on Notice
Date: 1/16/2014
Match: Manchester City U16s v. ASPQ
Competition: Al Kass International Cup
Ground: Aspire P5, Doha, Qatar
This boy is just 15 years old, but this is a goal of the highest class. We'll remember the name when we see this young gun on the Etihad pitch in a few years.
3. Hernanes' Dramatic Winner, and Celebration
Date: 1/19/2014
Match: Udinese v. Lazio
Competition: Serie A
Ground: Stadio Friuli, Udine, Italy
Oh, Hernanes, what a sweet left-footed blast this is. This is how you score a game winner in the 90th minute. We'll give the back flip celebration an 8.5.
2. Kenny Cunningham's Blast From Down Under
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Wellington Phoenix v. Melbourne Victory
Competition: A-League
Ground: Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
It's a shame there weren't more people in the seats to see this golazo. This is an absolute thumper from Kenny Cunningham. The keeper tries, but what can you really do about this one?
1. Cristiano Ronaldo's Blast From Distance
Date: 1/18/2014
Match: Real Betis v. Real Madrid
Competition: La Liga
Ground: Benito Villamarin, Sevilla, Spain
How about this rocket from CR7? The keeper's reaction, or lack there of, says it all. The Ballon d'Or winner shows he was a worthy winner.
