5 players with the most game-opening goals in Europe this season (2021-22)
Scoring goals regularly is an art and many footballers have mastered it. There have been some fabulous goal-scorers in the history of the game. The current crop has a good number of them.
In Europe's top five leagues, goals have come frequently, with more and more teams taking an attacking approach. But with everything said and done, the first goal always remains the most crucial one.
The timing of the first goal is always a decisive factor
In the modern era of football, the unpredictability of the timing of goals has only made the game more interesting. In closely contested encounters, opening goals often turn out to be the only one of the match.
On that note, let's take a look at the players who have scored the most opening goals in Europe's top five leagues.
#5 Anthony Modeste
FC Koln have had a decent 2021-22 season so far with 36 points in 24 games in the Bundesliga. One of the main reasons for their returns is the form of Anthony Modeste.
Out of the 36 league goals scored by Koln this season, the Frenchman has been responsible for scoring 15 and assisting one other goal. With a goal contribution of 44.44%, Modeste has been very important to the German club.
Two goals from Anthony Modeste and a fantastic celebration for his late equaliser, stealing Steffen Baumgart's hat 😂
https://t.co/5vl8BJHDse
More importantly, nine of his 18 goals across all competitions have been the opening goals in a game. His presence not only helps Koln be productive in front of goal but also helps them in taking the lead more often than not.
#4 Karim Benzema
The Frenchman is aging like a fine wine as goals come easily to him even at the age of 34. Karim Benzema has been a massive player for Real Madrid, more so after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018.
The French striker's form in La Liga has been incredible this season. He has scored 19 goals and registered nine assists so far. His amazing positioning and clinical finishing has been of great help to Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Karim Benzema for club & country this season so far:
• 37 Games
• 30 Goals
• 13 Assists
• 43 G/A
40+ goal contributions in a season for the 9th time in his professional career. https://t.co/jluWf4WX3n
Out of his 26 goals across all competitions, 10 have come as the first goal in a game. Karim Benzema's form will play a massive role in helping Real Madrid secure the La Liga title this season.