Premier League Golden Boot: Meet the Candidates

Published 10/08/2017, 4:30 PM EDT

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The race for the Premier League golden boot is one of the most attractive subplots of the league every season. Fans, Pundits and Media alike have their attention constantly on it. The debate on who will end up with the award are constant from the start. This season, the battle promises to be tougher and fiercer than ever before. The quality of strikers in the league has notably reached close to an all-time high.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE CONTENDERS 

Harry Kane- 

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 Is There a forward in the game better than Harry Kane at the moment? The English International has well and truly taken the league by storm in last three years. The golden boot winner from last season is the definition of a goal machine. Despite not scoring in the first 3 games and not having a goal at Wembley (home) this season, he already has 6 goals for the season. Kane has scored a further five goals in two champions league games so far. Very few in world football can match the goal-scoring form that he has shown over the past few years. It won’t surprise a soul if he retains the award

Sergio Aguero-

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One of the greatest ever NO 9’s to have graced the premier league. He is just a goal away from equalling Manchester City’s all-time goal scoring record. Despite having won the award only once, there has hardly been a player more consistent than the Argentine in the league. He has been a consistent source of goals for City through the years and there is hardly anyone more reliable to the net in the goals than him.

His premier league record of 128 goals in 187 appearances speaks for itself. Pep Guardiola’s relentless attacking style would inevitably lead to Aguero getting many chances to score and hence win the prize. It can be argued that injuries has been the cause for him not winning the award more times. One can only hope that his car crash in Amsterdam doesnt do same this year.

Romelu Lukaku- 

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The Belgian has been a consistent goal scorer for years in the premier league. The former Chelsea player scored 24 goals in the league last year. It was only Hary Kane’s insane effort of hitting seven goals in the last two matches that prevented Lukaku from being top scorer last season. At Manchester United, he will have much better service in comparison to what he got at Everton. Despite all the talk about his first touch and overall line up play, one thing that cannot be taken away from him is that he guarantees goals. At a team with the quality that is present at Manchester, that means chances galore for him. He has already shown his potential, having scored 10 goals in his first 9 competitive game for United. It would be a huge surprise if he isn’t right up there in the standings comes May.

Alvaro Morata

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The Spaniard for long has been touted as one of the best young strikers in the world. Being at super clubs like Real Madrid and Juventus, the 24-year-old so far has never been able to establish a regular starting spot in his career. His summer move to Chelsea and Diego Costa’s exit ensures that will change for the Spaniard. He has already shown his potential to the league by netting in 6 times in the league. His brilliant hat-trick against Stoke City was evidence of how lethal a player he is. Playing along like of Eden Hazard, Pedro, and Cesc Fabregas, he sure to have many more opportunities to score. If Morata can remain consistent, there is no reason why the former Los Blancos cannot finish on the top of the scorer’s chart.

Alexandre Lacazette-

Arsenal’s record signing is another high profile addition to the list of elite strikers in the English league. The Former Lyon man was one of the most consistent goal scorers in Ligue 1 for the past few years. In Each of the last 3 seasons, the Frenchman ended up scoring more than 20 goals in the league. Lacazette’s attributes are perfect for Arsenal’s style of football. If the Gunner’s habitual annual slip up doesn’t spread to him, he could very well have a realistic shot at the award.

Gabriel Jesus-

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The Brazilan is just 19 but already is one of the best in business. Having signed for Manchester City last year, Jesus has shown what a capable goal scorer is having scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Citizens.  He is a perfect example of “fox in the box” having a tremendous ability to poach goals from close range. Pep Guardiola has vividly made clear his ambition of playing him and Aguero together in his destructive playing style, Jesus could well take the world by storm to the big prize.

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 OUTSIDE CHANCE

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Despite the presence of these top quality frontmen, there is a high chance of the award ending elsewhere. This is because of top premier league teams also having some top quality Wideman and attacking midfielders who are very much capable of scoring goals consistently. The likes of Hazard, Sanchez, Firmino, Mane, and Salah are a prime source of goals for their side. While the strikers are likely to outscore them due to their natural instincts.Despite that, it won’t be a surprise if any of them clinch the trophy due to their ability and roles in the team.

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Conclusion- 

While Hary Kane is the best bet for the prize due to the incredible form he is no means a safe bet. The rich quality in the forward positions makes it a near impossible prediction to make. Though, one can safely say it will be a very very close fight. A lot will depend on injuries and rotations, and hence luck will play a major role too. Anyone who has the ambition of clinching the award must take every chance he gets. For the fan of the game, these are exciting times as this competition is sure to bring the best in everyone.

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Written by:

Aayush Kataria

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