The battle for the Premier League’s Golden Boot award is always a fierce one and with the caliber of the contenders, it often takes till the final game of the season to determine the clear, deserving winner. With all the great attacking talent now on show in the Premier League, let’s have a look at who might be finishing the season as the league’s top goalscorer. Will we see a shock winner? Could the packed schedule throughout the season play a part in the league’s superstars not lifting the Golden Boot Award at the end of the campaign?
Mohamed Salah
The Egyptian forward scored has ten goals in the first 11 games and could be on the cusp of winning many individual and team honors over the next 12 months. His impact on this Liverpool side has, so far, been huge and it’s clear that critics and punters foresee a continuation in this impressive form over the years to come.
Following a summer where they didn’t make any signings, some Premier League predictions had indicated they would finish fourth in the league. However, Salah has seemingly gone up a level in terms of performance and many experts now see the Merseyside club as worthy challengers for the title alongside the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. They are currently priced at odds of +500 to take the Premier League title and third-favorites, according to the bookies.
Jamie Vardy
Following a remarkable career that has seen him climb up in the football pyramid, Vardy is now a seasoned professional at the highest level of English football. It all began for Vardy in those humble days playing within the seventh tier of English football where it was evident from his promising goalscoring abilities, at least to the coaching staff of bigger clubs, that Vardy was one to be watched with a keen eye.
Vardy is now in his mid-30s and approaching the final chapter of this career. The former non-league striker started the current campaign well, scoring seven times in the first few months. This is especially significant because he has managed this despite Leicester’s inconsistent start to the season.
Michail Antonio
The Jamaican International is becoming a hero for West Ham and should their season continue on in the same form, he could very well become a club legend. Antonio would certainly be a shock-winner, but it would be well deserved if he manages to score those all-important extra goals.
Antonio’s performances could play a vital part in The Hammers reaching the Champions League for the first time in their history. Should they manage this, West Ham fans will probably place Antonio above other iconic strikers.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Would you bet against the Portuguese legend going on a great run of form before the end of the season? Ronaldo has occasionally looked isolated in the Premier League but looks lethal in Europe. The real question is: can he take that form in the Champions League and push himself to the top part of the goalscoring charts? It seems strange to see Ronaldo as a shock potential winner of the Golden Boot but given his age and Manchester United’s poor form at times, it really would be a surprise.
What does it take to win a Golden Boot?
Being part of a successful team often helps a player’s chances. However, throughout the history of the Premier League, strikers at the so-called ‘lesser sides’ have risen to the occasion. Kevin Phillips finished the 1999/2000 season as the Golden Boot winner, having managed an incredible 30 goals. This was an amazing achievement, especially considering he was playing for a newly-promoted team. Will we see another shock this season or will it be glory again for the ordinary suspects? Only time will tell.
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