Alex Morgan is the best forward on the USWNT. Period.

For months now, some critics have asserted that Alex Morgan is not the best forward on the USWNT. We could not disagree more. Admittedly, Alex Morgan has dealt with a string of injuries in the past two years. That period is over. As Graham Hayes of ESPNW wrote, Alex Morgan is heading into the third phase of her career. And that phase appears to be domination.

So what makes a striker the best on the team? To start, numbers.

"Numbers don't lie" is a popular cliche in sports. And Alex Morgan's 2016 numbers are fire. The striker has scored eight goals against five different teams. The teams are not all Top 20 teams like France and Germany, but Ireland (32) and Costa Rica (34) are hardly slouches.

Morgan is also second on the team with assists behind whiz kid Mallory Pugh. That gives her a total of 19 points, best on the team with only Carli Lloyd (17), and Crystal Dunn (15) reaching double digits. And, to be fair, 10 of Dunn's 15 points came against Puerto Rico.

Second, presence.

As a result of Alex Morgan's speed, opposing defenses must stay at home. If not, Morgan will get behind defenses and make them pay. Morgan has also been coming back more to hold the play, drawing defenders with her, and allowing USA's wideouts to go forward. Those are the technical aspects of presence. There is something even more impactful than technicality, however. It is mentality.

Alex Morgan is a superstar. She gets the most endorsement deals, is on the cover of major magazines, and her name is hundreds of jerseys that fill a stadium. Morgan also gets raucous applause from the crowd. In the most recent game against Germany, fans behind the opposing goal were chanting her name every time she came into the final third. This inevitably causes extra attention, conscious or subconscious, which again opens up other players.

Third, physical toughness.

There is a misconception that Morgan is fragile. The reality is, Morgan goes full throttle at goal. Just watch the hit she takes after her finish against Germany as an example.

Don't sleep on Morgan's heading ability, either. Her most important goal ever was a header against Canada at the 2012 Olympics. This year, she has both assisted and scored with her head.

Finally, her teammates.

By saying Morgan is not the best striker on the USWNT, that means someone else must be better. Who could that be?

Crystal Dunn is fierce, aggressive, and has a rocket shot. She has a nose for the goal, and may just be the best striker one day. Unfortunately, Dunn lacks the height to be a target in the box.

Christen Press is by far the most accurate shooter on the team. She has a great first touch, and needs very few steps to launch a shot. Press' downfall is that she lacks the speed to beat defenders on a breakaway.

Carli Lloyd has everything Morgan possesses, but again lacks the speed to beat defenders. Also, Lloyd is a number 10, not a true forward.

The Verdict.

Alex Morgan is having a career year in goals, assists, and minutes played. She is more popular than ever, with an NWSL franchise built for her in Orlando. She is fit as can be, and she is willing to put it all on the line to score a goal.

So, is Alex Morgan the best striker on the USWNT? Are you kidding? Alex Morgan is the best striker in the world.