The Premier League campaign is underway in full swing and there have already been several season-grabbing headlines. From the returns and goals on (re)debut for Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo to Demarai Gray hitting three goals in three games for a flying Everton team.
The race for the Golden Boot has of course been a hot topic of conversation already, given the abundance of apex predators this time. It will be a close race to call, if at all, until the final few weeks of the season but there’s no harm going over the likely contenders now.
ROMELU LUKAKU
The Belgian hitman has been in sublime form for more than two years now. Yes, that is no hyperbole. Lukaku was the premier goal-getter for Inter Milan, especially in their Scudetto winning season before making the big money switch to Chelsea this summer.
At international level, he is also hitting the net regularly as he has a mind-boggling ratio of goals to games. So it was hardly a surprise when the 28-year-old scored against Arsenal in his first match. Though he failed against Liverpool, three goals and an assist for Belgium put in good stead.
A brace against Aston Villa was followed by the winner against Zenit last night. His physicality, strong running and aerial prowess all point to a fearsome striker who will deliver on most days.
HARRY KANE
After all the fracas that happened surrounding Kane and with a new manager, it is no surprise that he remains goalless in the league. Though he scored in the Europa Conference League playoff as well as for England, he looked woefully out of form in the defeat against Crystal Palace.
Spurs have not strengthened that much this summer and with Heung-Min Son out, it does look like he might need some help this time. Kane’s record speaks for itself and there is no doubt he will start scoring soon. One has to question whether his mind is totally focused and also acknowledge the level of competition around him has increased significantly. If he does wish to get a transfer away next summer, this season will be crucial in courting suitors.
CRISTIANO RONALDO
The man, the myth, the boyhood hero. Ronaldo coming back to Old Trafford was the most unexpected move of the transfer window. The 36-year-old has not missed a step as he showed by bagging a brace against Newcastle United.
One of the two greatest goalscorers of this generation, who won the Serie A Golden Boot just last year will be gunning for more. He has already stated that his time with United will not be a “vacation” as he aims for trophies.
With United currently top of the table and boasting a bevvy of superstars, Ronaldo will get a lot of exemplary service to finish off. His all-round game is terrifying for defenders and given his winning mentality, there is no doubt that he will finish amongst the upper echelons of top scorers.
MOHAMED SALAH
The latest addition to the Centurion club of Premier League scorers. Salah has been a revelation ever since he joined Liverpool in 2017. His accuracy on the left-foot along with terrifying pace, skills and ability to get away shots quickly has already made him a two-time winner.
Having already racked three goals and three assists, the Egyptian has started the season in fine fashion. Jurgen Klopp’s system allows Salah to either attack from the right or through the middle while the familiarity among the front three serves everyone well. He knows that this season will be one of the toughest yet in terms of climbing the leaderboard but doubters have been proved wrong in the past as well.
JAMIE VARDY
The veteran forward remains the oldest winner of the Golden Boot after his exploits during the 2019-20 season. Vardy has hit double digits in scoring in all of his years since the title-winning campaign and has two goals along with one assist so far.
Leicester missed out on Champions League football in agonizing fashion over the past two years and if they do not want to make it a third year in a row, Vardy will be crucial. Furthermore, the Foxes have also managed to retain James Maddison while adding Patson Daka and a fully fit Harvey Barnes as well. His expert placement and instinctive notions in front of goal bode well for him in the race against some truly star names.
