him an offensive threat during counter-attacks, and also allowed him to lose his markers and get on the end of passes, or create space for his teammates with his attacking runs. Although he mainly played as an out-and-out striker (which led him to be described as a "poacher" in the media earlier on in his career), because of his team-play and ability to build attacks or provide assists for teammates, he also operated in a deeper, more creative role on occasion, acting as a false nine, or even as a second striker. His playing style earned him comparisons with compatriots Hernán Crespo and Gabriel Batistuta. Despite his impressive scoring record, Higuaín was often criticised in the media for failing to deliver in the most important of matches for both club and country. Notable examples include poor performances in cup finals and crucial UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League matches during his tenures at Real Madrid, Napoli and Juventus, as well as notable missed chances for the Argentina national team in the 2014 World Cup Final, the 2015 Copa América Final and the Copa América Centenario Final. Moreover, Higuaín's record from the penalty spot was inconsistent throughout his career; in his early career, he was generally an accurate penalty taker, however his ability from spot kicks deteriorated as his career progressed. Endorsements Higuaín, along with global cover star Lionel Messi, featured on the Italian cover of EA Sports' multi-platform video game FIFA 15. Career statistics Club International Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Higuaín goal. Notes Honours Real Madrid La Liga: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12 Copa del Rey: 2010–11; runner-up 2012–13 Supercopa de España: 2008, 2012 Napoli Coppa Italia: 2013–14 Supercoppa Italiana: 2014 Juventus Serie A: 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20 Coppa Italia: 2016–17, 2017–18; runner up 2019–20 UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2016–17 Chelsea UEFA Europa League: 2018–19 EFL Cup runner-up: 2018–19 Argentina FIFA World Cup runner-up: 2014 Copa América runner-up: 2015, 2016 Individual Serie A top scorer: 2015–16 Serie A Team of the Year: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17 UEFA Europa League Squad of the season: 2013–14, 2014–15 ESM Team of the Year: 2015–16 Forward of the "Ideal Team of America": 2006 FIFA FIFPro World XI 4th team: 2016 Juventus MVP of the Year: 2016–17, 2017–18 MLS Comeback Player of the Year: 2022 References External links Higuaín at La Liga Statistics at Guardian Stats Centre Futbol360