4. Radamel Falcao (Atletico Madrid)

Colombia is no longer regarded in world football as the power they were back in the days of Carlos Valderrama. However, they never stopped producing fascinating footballers such as Radamel Falcao.

The 26-year-old Atletico Madrid hitman is probably the most unlikely selection in this ranking. A mere glance at his goal return, though, should easily dispel any doubts about his inclusion.

Following his €4 million transfer from River Plate to Porto in 2009, Falcao took Europe by storm and netted 25 goals in 28 league matches (34 goals in all competitions) during the 2009-10 season. 

He improved on that total margin the subsequent campaign, as he scored 38 goals in 42 competitive matches—breaking the record for goals scored in a European season with 17 goals in the Europa League as Porto took home the trophy.

After only two seasons in Portugal, the Colombian was sold to Atletico Madrid for roughly €40 million—potentially rising to €47 million with performance-based clauses—and managed to place only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the league scoring charts as he netted 24 times for his new club.

His continually impressive form in Europe also helped Atletico Madrid to conquer the Europa League for the second time in three seasons.

Falcao is still relatively young and has great re-sale value for a club that is certainly not unwilling to part with its talent, as it showed by selling both Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero in recent seasons.

Manchester City and Chelsea have been rumored to be interested in the striker, and it is likely that he would be worth well over €50 million based merely on his consistent performances for club and his devastating goalscoring potential in European competition.