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Following a frantic transfer window which saw this generation’s two best players move to new clubs, European football has settled into a nice, steady rhythm. Most of the top clubs are living up to their potential and have identified their talismen for the season. These sharpshooters have been scoring for fun in the opening phase of the 2021-22 season, giving us a glimpse of how this campaign might unfold.
Today’s list is all about identifying the most in-form forwards in Europe, telling you how impactful they have been for their respective teams. Now, without further ado, let us check out the top-five forwards enjoying a purple patch in Europe.
Special mentions: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Ciro Immobile (Lazio)
#5 Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint-Germain
In the summer of 2021, Paris Saint-Germain fought long and hard with Real Madrid to keep Kylian Mbappe in Paris. The superstar was determined to join Los Blancos, but PSG’s ambition of fielding Lionel Messi, Mbappe and Neymar together was simply insurmountable.
Reluctantly, Mbappe has remained at PSG and is proving his mettle with decisive performances every single week. The 2018 World Cup winner has been PSG's most proficient forward this season. The forward has a knack for creating chances for his teammates, averages three dribbles per match, and has already registered four goals and four assists across all competitions.
To sweeten the deal, the Frenchman has even started to combine seamlessly with Lionel Messi. It will be interesting to see what role Mbappe takes when the trio finally settle in.
Also Check Out: Mbappe Net Worth
#4 Vinicius Junior - Real Madrid
In 2018, Real Madrid desperately needed their forwards to step up in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Karim Benzema picked up the mantle, but his contributions were not enough for the 13-time Champions League winners. Teenage sensation Vinicius Junior appeared out of the blue and rejuvenated Real Madrid's stagnant left flank.
Over the next two seasons, the forward impressed everyone with his footwork and pace. Unfortunately, his finishing was not up to the mark. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Junior seems to have found the magic formula this season. He is Real Madrid and La Liga's second-best scorer, netting five goals in six appearances. Interestingly, two of his appearances came off the bench.
Vinicius' overall gameplay has also improved, thanks to a lack of nerves in the final third. The forward has emerged as a player that Real Madrid can depend on - a player who can make a difference in the blink of an eye.
#3 Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski has been one of the best players, if not the best, in the world since 2019. The Polish forward has been leading the charge for the Bavarians since 2014, and he only seems to get better every year.
The former Borussia Dortmund man is one of the very few out-and-out centre-forwards left in world football. He knows how to chase the ball, how to position himself. And most importantly, he knows how to be in the right place at the right time. His knack for the spectacular allowed him to score 103 goals in the last two seasons, considerably more than what Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo managed.
This season, the Bayern number 9 has picked up right where he left off last term. He has netted 11 goals in seven appearances across all competitions, including a Champions League group stage brace against Barcelona.
#2 Erling Haaland - Borussia Dortmund
Alongside Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland is the most sought-after young forward in the world. The Borussia Dortmund star is a menacing presence in and around the opposition box, thanks to his world-class off-the-ball movement and unmatched physicality. Banking on his strengths, the Norwegian forward has led Borussia Dortmund to four wins in five Bundesliga fixtures this season.
The 21-year-old striker is not just great at hitting the back of the net, but he is also quite a capable creator. Haaland, who has seven goals in five Bundesliga matches, also has four assists, which sheds light on his creative side. Valued at €130m, Haaland is one of the most valuable players in the world, and his stats surely justify his sky-high valuation.
#1 Karim Benzema - Real Madrid
Karim Benzema has been Real Madrid’s knight in shining armor since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure in 2018. The Frenchman has rarely misfired over the last three seasons, emerging as the team’s leading scorer with 87 goals across all competitions. He has enjoyed his best-ever start to a league campaign so far this season.
Benzema has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in the 2021-22 La Liga campaign. To put his stats into perspective, Real Madrid’s biggest rival, Barcelona, have scored eight goals in La Liga this season.
With over 71% goal contribution for Real Madrid in the league this season, Benzema has cemented his place as the team’s best player. Thanks to his heroics, Real Madrid currently sit at the top of the La Liga table with 16 points after six rounds.
