WITH the ball from the half-volley coming in with the force of a sledgehammer, there was nothing the goalkeeper could do to stop it.

It was in that moment that Gonzalo Higuain etched his name in Real Madrid folklore, the screamer of a goal winning the game against Osasuna 2-1, and in turn winning the 2007-2008 La Liga title.

And Higuain has made a habit of scoring important, and often stunning goals.

Take Saturday's game against Racing Santander, when he dashed like a jack rabbit towards goal, leading the Racing defenders on a merry jaunt.

In one sweet movement, he dragged the ball back, sending all the defenders the wrong way, took aim and dispatched the ball into the goal.

This season the 21-year-old has scored many goals like that, having already netted 13 goals in 19 league games, and looks set to be a key player for many years to come.

Television commentator Duncan McMath, who is based in Madrid, said: 'His brings that kind of quality that separates the best teams from the others.

'He has lots to his game, from scoring goals, taking free-kicks to running at defenders. He will be a huge, huge star in a couple of years.' - GEOFFREY LIP