Radamel Falcao Was Once The Most Dangerous Striker In The World. He's Coming Back.

Radamel Falcao used to be the most feared striker in the world. That's not an exaggeration. At the height of his powers, he was feared more than Suarez, more than Lewandowski and more than Benzema.

In his last season at Atletico Madrid, the Colombian scored 28 goals in 34 appearances. In fact, he ranked right behind Messi and Ronaldo as one of the best players on the planet.

Just check out Falcao's stats below.

Radamel Falcao's stats:

Porto: 51 apps 41 goals.
Atlético Madrid: 68 apps 52 goals.
Monaco: 20 apps 11 goals.

Goal-scoring machine.

— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) September 2, 2014

Then, playing for Monaco in a French Cup match, this happened: 

Radamel Falcao tore his anterior cruciate ligament, which kept him out for almost half a year. Since his return from injury, Falcao has struggled for form. Unsuccessful loan spells at Manchester United and Chelsea, in which he scored only five goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, led most people to believe that his career was over.

It's OK Falcao. You're just the new Fernando Torres. Photo: @zesty_manutd | Twitter

The effort was there, but the belief and the ability seemed to be gone. With every scuffed shot and poor touch, his head seemed to hang lower and lower. A player that once made defenders tremble in their boots was now not even being marked half the time. You couldn't help but feel sorry for him, as one of the world's best players seemed destined to fade into obscurity.

But wait! What's that?! The old boy's still got some fight left in him! In 10 appearances across all competitions for Monaco this season, Falcao has scored eight goals, with this one against CSKA Moscow being the pick of the bunch.

He's ALIVE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ICYMI: Radamel Falcao inspires Monaco past CSKA Moscow. [FT: 3-0] #UCL pic.twitter.com/t6nqKtsDxr

— 1960Bet (@1960Bet) November 3, 2016

Sure, it's Ligue 1, but come on. Give the guy a break. Baby steps people. Could it be El Tigre is starting to approach his best again? Should we call it a comeback? We certainly hope so. He's too good to go out with a whimper.