Top contenders for the European Golden Shoe: September 2019
The race for the 2018/19 European Golden Shoe has already kicked into motion following the commencement of the various leagues. It’s still early days, but it looks like we will have another keenly contested race.
A couple of new faces have stolen an early march, as the perennial winners, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, are yet to get into their groove. Last season, Messi won the coveted award after scoring 34 goals in La Liga.
Ronaldo, despite scoring over 20 goals in the Serie A, was further behind the Argentine in the race for the European Golden Shoe. Both players are certain to be challenging for the award once again this season, but are currently not among the top contenders.
As we begin the month of September, let’s take a look at the top 10 contenders for the 2018/2019 European Golden Shoe award:
(Note: This ranking is based on goals scored by players in only Europe’s top five leagues and, should players have the same number of goals, their assists will be used to decide who stays top of the other).
#10 Tammy Abraham (4 goals – 8 points)
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has been a revelation this season and it is not surprising that he is among the top scorers in Europe currently. The 21-year-old is proving with each game that he has what it takes to thrive at Stamford Bridge.
Abraham has four goals to his name in the Premier League, having netted doubles in his last two games. The England international scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Norwich and netted another double as the Blues drew with Sheffield United on Saturday.
It’s still early days yet, but with performances like these, Abraham could soon find himself competing for the European Golden Shoe.
#9 Ashley Barnes (4 goals – 8 points)
As far as surprises go, Ashley Barnes’ appearance on the list of top contenders of the European Golden Shoe has left many football fans really shocked.
However, the Burnley forward is just reaping the benefits of his potency in front of goal. The 29-year-old has been one of the best performing players in the opening month of the Premier League, having netted four goals in four games thus far.
Barnes scored in each of the first three games of the season, registering goals against Southampton (double), Arsenal and Wolves. He might currently be a minnow but, at 29, the Burnley striker is finally getting the recognition he deserves.