After a blistering 2010-11 season, which saw his remarkable tally of 17 goals in 14 Europa League games break Jurgen Klinsmann's European scoring record (15) and fire Porto to glory in the competition, Falcao has established himself as one of the most fearsome and coveted strikers in world football.

Moving from his native Colombia to River Plate as a 14-year-old, Falcao was relentless in his desire to become a professional footballer and his battling spirit - coupled with netting two goals on his debut - quickly won over the Argentinean fans, who nicknamed him El Tigre - The Tiger.

A serious knee injury in 2006 threatened to hamper his development but after a tough 12 months, he returned to form and was River's top scorer as they sealed the 2008 Clausura title. The talented Colombian's performances had not gone unnoticed, however, and Porto snapped him up in 2009 to replace outgoing star Lisandro Lopez.

His impact was immediate, as he fast became one of Portuguese football's most prolific strikers, netting 34 goals in all competitions and claiming the winner as Porto won the domestic Cup. Falcao's league form was less spectacular in his second season but his outstanding record in Europe alerted some of the continent's biggest clubs and he was strongly linked to a reunion with former boss Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea.

Strengths: He can use both feet and is imperious in the air despite only being 5' 10''; he also boasts pace, technique and an unerring coolness in front of goal that has seen comparisons drawn with the Brazilian Ronaldo.

Weaknesses: Has been known to suffer crises of confidence and former Porto boss Andre Villa-Boas described him as a "frustrated" figure when he suffered a barren run at the start of 2010-11. Has struggled to transfer club scoring form onto the international stage.

Career high: His winning goal in the Europa League final secured Porto's third major trophy of the season and cemented his record of scoring the most European goals in a single season.

Career low: A serious knee injury in 2006 kept him out of action and came just as he had appeared to have established himself as a regular for River Plate.

Style: Agile, strong, powerful, a natural finisher.

Quotes: "I'd like to play with him. Falcao is a great player and is at a very high level. He has won everything in a season in which he scored many goals. He is, today, the great reference of Colombian football." Lionel Messi, June 2011.

Trivia: He is named after former Brazil midfielder Falcao, who starred for the Selecao at the 1982 World Cup campaign - when Tele Santana's side became arguably the best ever not to win the tournament.