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Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has seen several great goalscorers. Arguably the most competitive league in the world, the English top flight has been host to some of the greatest players in the world.
There is no doubt about the prolificacy of Premier League forwards over the years. However, there have also been players who have scored goals from other positions to etch their names in the competition's history.
There are quite a few goalscoring veterans playing in the Premier League. On that note, here's a look at the highest scoring active XI in the league. A 4-4-2 formation has been considered for this hypothetical lineup.
Note: All stats are as per transfermarkt unless mentioned otherwise.
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker - 1 goal
Alisson has been one of Liverpool's most influential signings. The Reds custodian has been exceptional between the sticks since joining the club from AS Roma in 2018.
The Brazilian has kept eight clean sheets in 14 games, a league-best this season. Alisson features on this list thanks to a superb 95th-minute winner he scored against West Brom.
It was the first strike by any Liverpool goalkeeper across competitions. The goal saw The Reds win 2-1, with Alisson's strike getting voted as the club's goal of the season.
It is worth mentioning that Asmir Begović also has also scored one Premier League goal - a freakish goal-kick against Southampton that somehow found the net. However, he currently plays second fiddle to Jordan Pickford at Everton squad, which is why Alisson gets the nod.
Right-back: Ashley Young - 48 goals
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Ashley Young has had his fair share of experience playing in defence. However, his versatility and tenacity have helped him score plenty of goals.
Young was often deployed as a right-back during the second half of his Manchester United career. The full-back has scored 48 goals in the Premier League, including a few exceptional free kicks. The 2007-08 Premier League campaign with Aston Villa was one of his best, as he bagged eight goals and 17 assists.
After returning to Villa from Inter Milan this season, Young will look to add a few more goals to his tally. The 36-year-old Englishman has bagged two league assists this season. He be on his last legs, but remains a force to be reckoned with.
Centre-back: Craig Dawson - 17 goals
West Ham's Craig Dawson is the first centre-back to feature on this list. The Englishman, who joined The Hammers last season from Watford, has scored 17 goals in the Premier League.
West Ham are currently fourth in the Premier League, flying high under David Moyes. Although Dawson has had a few poor performances, he has featured in many league games for The Hammers thus far this season. Considering his transfer fee of around £2 million, Dawson has been quite reliable for his team.
With Angelo Ogbonna injured, Dawson is responsible for marshalling West Ham's defence. The 31-year-old centre-back has fine aerial ability, and is a threat during corners. West Ham's pursuit of a top-four finish will receive a tremendous boost if Dawson can continue his prowess in set-pieces.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk - 15 goals
On his arrival, Virgil van Dijk incredibly transformed a shaky Liverpool backline into one of the most formidable in the Premier League. One of the best defenders in the world at the moment, the Dutchman has been rock-solid for Jurgen Klopp's side.
The 2018-19 Premier League Player of the Season has played every single minute this campaign. Van Dijk has scored 15 Premier League goals, including one this season. His commanding presence in the air has helped Liverpool in several set-piece situations.
Van Dijk's pace combined with impeccable timing makes winning the ball look effortless. The Dutchman is tied with Ciaran Clark, who also has 15 Premier League goals. However, his superior impact on the pitch and quality see him get the nod over the Irishman on this list.
Left-back: Marcos Alonso - 23 goals
Chelsea's marauding left-back Marcos Alonso has had his fair share of goals. Blessed with phenomenal ball-striking technique, Alonso has scored quite a few spectacular goals in the Premier League.
The 30-year-old Spaniard has won almost every major trophy with Chelsea since joining them in 2016. He has scored 23 goals in the Premier League, including one this season.
Alonso has sometimes been criticised for his over-commitment to going forward. However, he has been a reliable source on the left flank when it comes to chance creation.
Having been sidelined by Ben Chilwell last season, Alonso seems to have gained the trust of Thomas Tuchel, making nine league appearances thus far. Alonso's performances have also impressed Spain coach Luis Enrique, who started him in the UEFA Nations League final.
Right Midfielder: Mohamed Salah - 110 goals
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah is wreaking havoc in the Premier League this season. Based on his current form, Salah is one of the best attackers in the world. He is the current Premier League leader in terms of both goals and assists.
The Egyptian has 110 Premier League goals, with all but two of them coming for Liverpool. He recently overtook Didier Drogba to become the highest-scoring African in the competition. Salah has 13 goals and nine assists in the league this season.
The two-time Golden Boot winner looks on course to add a third to his collection. The 'Egyptian King' recently became the fifth-fastest player to score 100 Premier League goals, achieving the feat in just 162 games. The most influential Liverpool player this season, Salah has played a huge role in Liverpool occupying second place in the Premier League table.
Central Midfielder: James Milner - 55 goals
James Milner has been in the Premier League for nearly two decades. The hardworking Englishman has always been a reliable presence in midfield for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.
At the time of his debut, Milner, 16, became the second-youngest player in Premier League history to appear in the competition. He now holds the record for most substitute appearances in Premier League history, overtaking Peter Crouch. A Premier League stalwart, Milner is the fourth Liverpool player in our hypothetical XI.
The three-time Premier League winner has made an incredible 572 Premier League appearances, scoring 55 goals. A strong character both on and off the pitch, Milner is still going strong. Players in the Liverpool academy will most definitely benefit from the experience Milner has under his belt.
Central Midfielder: Dele Alli - 51 goals
While his form in the Premier League may be on the decline, it is difficult to dismiss the talent and ability Dele Alli possess. Tied with Juan Mata for goals scored in the competition, Alli gets the nod for his superior ability in central midfield.
Part of the youth system at MK Dons, Alli quickly caught the eye of his coaches as he quickly graduated to the first team. The midfielder joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2015, where he had a dazzling first few seasons. Alli bagged an impressive 28 goals and 18 assists to his name in his first two Premier League campaigns.
The 25-year-old was the 2015-16 and 2016-17 PFA Young Player of the Year. Alli has scored 51 Premier League goals, including one this season. Under Antonio Conte, Alli just might get the reset he needs to get his career back on track.
Left Midfielder: Sadio Mane - 102 goals
Sadio Mane, the fifth Liverpool player in this hypothetical XI, gets the nod at left-midfield. The Senegal international has been brilliant for Liverpool since joining him from Southampton in 2016. Robust and quick on the wing, Mane has exceptional qualities that make him tough to defend against.
Mane has 102 Premier League goals, with 81 of them coming for Liverpool. The 2018-19 season's joint top-scorer (with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Salah) is a key presence for Liverpool. He has won the Premier League and Champions League with the team.
Mane has scored seven Premier League goals this season, fourth-highest in the competition's goalscoring charts. Alongside Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota, Mane has spearheaded Liverpool's lethal attack this season.
Striker: Harry Kane - 167 goals
Striker Supreme, Harry Kane, is one of the best in his position in the Premier League. Kane's technique and eye for goal make him one of the greatest finishers in the game at the moment. He has won the Premier League Golden Boot thrice, even with an underperforming Tottenham Hotspur side.
The England captain has an incredible knack for scoring goals, having racked up 167 Premier League goals thus far. However, he has scored only once in 14 games this season. Injuries at crucial times have hampered his ability, but Kane still manages to deliver at an impressive rate.
Kane was unstoppable during the 2020-21 season. The prolific striker topped both the goalscoring and assists charts while playing for a team that finished seventh.
Striker: Jamie Vardy - 127 goals
Jamie Vardy has had a spectacular Premier League career with Leicester City. The Englishman was instrumental in Leicester's improbable Premier League triumph in 2015-16 season, scoring 24 goals.
The 34-year-old has aged like fine wine, and keeps scoring at a commendable rate for The Foxes. Vardy has scored 127 goals in the Premier League, and won the competition's Golden Boot in 2019-20 (23 goals). With nine strikes, he is currently second in the competition's goalscoring charts this season.
Vardy is lively both on and off the pitch, and is loved by fans worldwide. The 2015-16 Premier League Player of the Season has exceptional finishing ability, and makes intelligent runs off the ball.
