PA Standout Spotlight: Top 5 Forwards

Forwards set the tone in every match, and this week several players delivered performances that separated them from the rest. Combining speed, skill, and relentless effort, these standouts not only created scoring chances but also influenced the game in decisive ways. From clinical finishing to tireless pressing and clever link-up play, each forward brought a unique impact that earned them recognition. Here, we break down the Top 5 standout forward performances that shaped their teams' results and showcased the value of dynamic play up front.    Haslam's skill set makes him one of the most exciting forwards to watch. His tight dribbling ability and composure in possession enable him to glide past defenders with confidence. At the same time, his game experience is evident in the timing of his runs and decisions in the final third. When given space, he has the instinct to turn half-chances into clear scoring opportunities, often making difficult plays look effortless. His knack for producing “easy goals” is less about luck and more about awareness, anticipation, and technical quality, the hallmarks of a standout forward.     Orend's first impression comes through his ability to create for others. His assist skills stand out as he consistently looks to run into space and deliver the right pass at the right time. Rather than forcing shots, he prioritizes involving teammates, showing vision and unselfishness in the final third. Orend's willingness to keep running, link up play, and provide service makes him a reliable attacking piece. Beyond his technical impact, his energy and enjoyment of the game shine through, bringing life to his team's forward line.     Jackson showed the qualities of a complete forward, particularly in his ability to play with his back to the goal. Using his strength and awareness, he held up possession effectively and gave his teammates time to move into dangerous positions. His vision was evident across the field, picking out runners and distributing with precision. Defensively, Jackson added value with strong pressing skills, applying pressure high up the pitch and forcing opponents into mistakes. His blend of awareness, physicality, and relentless effort made him a standout presence.     Gavin displayed a complete forward's toolkit, excelling in several key areas that set him apart. His timing and movement behind the defense created constant problems for the back line, as he repeatedly found space to exploit. In one-on-one situations, whether against <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/09/top-5-backline-standouts-boys-soccer/?itm_campaign=wp-parsely&itm_medium=smart-link&itm_term=ec0d2d166aff640b7e0d76d6fb479a67&itm_source=traffic-boost" data-smartlink="ec0d2d166aff640b7e0d76d6fb479a67" title="PA Standout Spotlight: Top 5 Forwards">defenders</a> or the goalkeeper, he showed composure and confidence, turning difficult chances into routine finishes. His pace, awareness, and ability to make decisive runs added a cutting edge to his team's attack, highlighting his value as a reliable goal scorer.     Marcantonio offers the kind of forward presence that gives a team flexibility and confidence in attack. He can play across different forward roles, adapting to what the match demands, and consistently provides a reliable option to build around. With his physicality and awareness, he makes life difficult for defenders, holding possession under pressure and creating opportunities for teammates. As both a playmaker and a finisher, Marcantonio is a constant problem for the opposition, embodying the qualities of a forward who can change the flow of a game.

Forwards set the tone in every match, and this week several players delivered performances that separated them from the rest. Combining speed, skill, and relentless effort, these standouts not only created scoring chances but also influenced the game in decisive ways. From clinical finishing to tireless pressing and clever link-up play, each forward brought a unique impact that earned them recognition. Here, we break down the Top 5 standout forward performances that shaped their teams' results and showcased the value of dynamic play up front.