Striker of the month - September: The nominees

A star-studded shortlist kicks our striker of the month poll into top gear for this season, amid plenty competition from some emerging stars. After a fascinating start to the season, with enormous uncertainties and major upsets being the norm rather than the exception, predictability is the last thing one would expect. However, some things and some people never change; the top strikers across Europe have stood up and been counted. Here are those that shone brightest in September.

Robert Lewandowski – Borussia Dortmund

Key stats - Minutes played: 385 Goals: 4 Assists: 1

Amid the furore over the announcement of his agreement to become a Bayern Munich player, Robert Lewandowski has kept his calm and has stuck to letting his football do the talking. Why Bayern would add him to a squad already burgeoning with stars is clear to see with his clinical finishing seeing him maintain an accuracy rate of over 50% for the season. Definitely will be a huge loss for Juergen Klopp’s side.

Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid

Key stats - Minutes played: 446 Goals: 5 Assists: 0

A flying start from Brazilian Diego Costa has ensured that Atletico feel little pain from the departure of Falcao, with the capital club currently having a perfect record for the season. Often acting as deputy to the Colombian, Costa has never been shy of goals, though he seems set to reach new peaks this season. His most important strike in September came, perhaps, in the Madrid derby, where his goal was the only difference between Atletico and fierce rivals, Real.

Radamel Falcao – Monaco

Key stats - Minutes played: 406 Goals: 5 Assists: 0

Where some players buckle under the expectations of a big money move, Falcao has reveled in his newly found richness. While the defenders in the French league might not quite be of the same calibre as those in Spain, Falcao has scored some confident goals, and appears to be enjoying himself at Monaco. This is reflected in the league table as well, with Monaco sitting on top, followed closely by PSG and Marseille. Money well spent, Monaco.