How about Javier Saviola? In the course of just six days, Barcelona’s diminutive Argentine striker, who at the beginning of the season was told in no uncertain terms he would be last on the team’s forward-line pecking order, has now made a serious bid to be considered Europe’s in-form striker of the moment, scoring six times for the Catalans in their last three games, including a hat trick Tuesday night against Alaves at home in the Copa del Rey. While the rest of the team-with the possible exception of Ronaldinho-put in an awful performance at the Camp Nou against Alaves, Saviola single-handedly buried the Second Division club, sending the Spanish champion through to the quarterfinals. Questions about Barcelona’s defense persist as the backline had a particularly terrible evening, with Brazilian striker Wellington Paulista running all over Rafa Marquez. After the match, Saviola said “the satisfaction is total — for the goals, and because the team has won. It has been a spectacular night, one that will be difficult to forget…this is a memory you want to have always.” Saviola also won the first leg of the Round of 16 series for Barcelona, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory at Alaves last week. The Argentine has been given few chances in the first team by Frank Rijkaard this season; indeed, it was he who told Saviola he should look for another club during the transfer window last summer. But the man they call “El Conejo” (the rabbit) staved off outside suitors, deciding instead to fight for his place. Long-term injuries to first-choice strikers Samuel Eto’o and Lionel Messi provided Saviola with the chance he needed. Indeed, the Argentine’s amazing persistence could serve as inspiration for a certain out-of-favor player at Real Madrid.