Man United legend names Ronaldo, snubs Harry Kane and Haaland is best striker list

Former Premier League goal-scoring sensation Andy Cole has unveiled his top three strikers in the world, but his choices have raised eyebrows by overlooking some notable names.

Cole, celebrated for his prolific scoring record and Premier League Golden Boot win in the 1993-94 season, has opted to exclude Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane from his selections, sparking debate among football enthusiasts.

With 289 goals amassed during his illustrious career, Cole's insight into the current crop of strikers carries weight in the footballing community. However, his decision to snub Haaland and Kane, both renowned for their goal-scoring prowess, has ignited discussion among fans and pundits alike.

In an interview with ESPN, Cole shared his top picks, stating, "At the peak of their powers, [Robert] Lewandowski. [Karim] Benzema, oh my days. Probably can say [Cristiano] Ronaldo. The managers change, they've evolved their game, you know."

While Polish striker Lewandowski boasts a remarkable goal-scoring record, having netted over 600 senior career goals for club and country, his inclusion may not come as a surprise to many.

However, the selections of Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo may raise eyebrows, considering their current playing status in the Saudi Pro League.

Benzema, formerly of Real Madrid, made a high-profile move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last year, while Cristiano Ronaldo, holding numerous goal-scoring records, currently plies his trade at Al-Nassr.

Critics may question their inclusion over Haaland and Kane, both of whom have been in exceptional form this season. Kane leads the Bundesliga's goal-scoring charts with 27 goals, while Haaland tops the Premier League's Golden Boot race with 18 goals.

Cole, who netted 187 Premier League goals in 414 top-flight appearances, represented various clubs, including Newcastle, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Manchester City, and Portsmouth.