Chicharito is the best striker in the world at the moment, says Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan believes Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez is the top striker in the world at the moment – but he will hope ‘Chicharito’ is nowhere near his brilliant best when he lines up for Mexico against the United States in the Gold Cup final on Saturday.

Hernandez has been in stunning form for Mexico throughout the tournament, notching seven goals and an assist in six appearances to follow on from an impressive debut club campaign with United.

The 23-year-old will now be gunning for silverware at the Rose Bowl and former Everton star Donovan, who came off the bench as the United States saw off Panama in Wednesday’s semi-final, knows his side face a challenge to contain him.

Head to head: Donovan (top) and Hernandez face each other in the Gold Cup final

‘They’ve got perhaps the hottest striker in the world on their team right now,’ said Donovan.

‘He really is a special player.

‘He’s not a guy that’s going to wow you with any moves or tricks but every time that he gets a chance he makes the most of it.

‘He is a player who is capable of changing the game in an instant.’