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The latest season of the Premier League got underway, as Manchester United narrowly edged out Leicester City 2-1 at Old Trafford. Manchester City, the runaway winners last year, would be keen to defend their title this season. The narrative remains the same for the individual awards too, as Mohamed Salah would be keen on repeating his Golden boot heroics from last season.
The Egyptian star scored 32 goals last season to emerge as the top goal-scorer, with Harry Kane a close second, having scored 29 goals throughout the season. On an individual level, there are quite a few contenders who could add their names to this glorious list.
After all, the primary objective of any forward is to notch up as many goals as he can. So in this list, we look at 5 such forwards who could end up scoring the highest number of goals in this season's Premier League:
#5 Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku is a 25-year-old Belgian striker, who joined Manchester United from Everton last season and endured a satisfying first campaign in which he scored 27 goals in all competitions.
17 of those came in the Premier League, which in any way was not a world-class return but considering a relatively difficult period in the middle portion of last season, and the fact that it was his first full season at a big club, we could cut him some slack.
However, it is this season that will provide him with a chance to prove his critics wrong. The former Chelsea striker is strong and quick on the field, which enables him to capitalize on the through-balls provided to him. The Belgian's huge frame means, he's dominant in the air and can capitalize on crosses.
In the recently concluded World Cup, Lukaku scored four times as he finished joint second on the scoring charts and therefore his confidence is surely on another level. Along with his own confidence, Lukaku has already become one of Jose Mourinho’s most trusted men on the field.
With some subtle improvements in his first-touch, Lukaku could surely score more goals than most of the other forwards this season.
#4 Sergio Aguero
Manchester City's all-time record goalscorer, Sergio Aguero will be itching to prove his doubters wrong after a poor World Cup, as he and his team were eliminated during the round of 16 against France.
However, once he pulls on the blue of Manchester City, a different Aguero emerges, as was proved during the Community Shield against Chelsea where he bagged a brace. He was more involved in the buildup play, often dropping down the line to orchestrate play and then charging up ahead to finish off chances.
Aguero’s finishing is probably the strongest aspect of his game, as he is adept in bagging goals in a variety of ways. The Argentine’s aerial strength is praiseworthy, despite his comparatively shorter stature.
Gabriel Jesus’ arrival at the Etihad has meant that Aguero is no longer an undisputed starter for Pep Guardiola’s team. After a turbulent first season under Guardiola, Aguero adjusted well to the manager’s tactics and scored 21 goals in just 25 league appearances last term.
He can dribble his way past defenders with absurd ease, and his passing has undergone certain improvement too. However, it is his ability to time his runs into the box, and the shot accuracy that sets him apart from his peers. If he is given a long run of games, Aguero could certainly pip the other forwards in the race for the Golden Boot.
#3 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal’s acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January was a shrewd move by the management. They actually bought a player of Aubameyang’s calibre without much competition for a decent fee, and that has massively bolstered their attacking personnel.
The Gabon international is a significant goal-scorer, and one could expect him to add more goals next to his name this season. Aubameyang is a complete striker of sorts, as he possesses quick feet and a change of pace that can frighten any defender.
Capable of interlinking well with his teammates, the former Borussia Dortmund man is capable of scoring goals as well as creating chances with his well-timed through-balls from outside the box.
The 29-year-old is a safe bet to finish off chances, and as his short period at Arsenal has suggested, Aubameyang has adapted well to the nature and style of play at the Premier League. Despite playing for such a short period, the Gabon international scored 10 times in just 13 Premier League appearances.
Having had a full pre-season behind him and with creators such as Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil supplying him, Aubameyang would surely be active in front of the goal this season.
#2 Mohammed Salah
Mohamed Salah, who was lured by Liverpool from AS Roma last season lit up the Premier League with his mesmerizing skills and goal scoring. Salah was in exceptional form for Liverpool, as his performances in the European matches helped Liverpool reach the finals of the Champions League.
Primarily operating down the right channel, Salah’s insane speed, and impeccable dribbling abilities make him a fearful factor cutting inside. He usually functions in the space created in the centre by Roberto Firmino, feeding off through balls from Liverpool's central midfield.
After joining Liverpool, there were some noticeable improvements in his gameplay. Firstly, Salah was more assured and composed in front of goal, as he seemed to take most of his chances while creating a lot as well.
His footwork was thoroughly fascinating, as Salah juxtaposed the opposition with his brilliance whenever he gained the possession of the ball. Despite playing out wide, the Egyptian maestro won the Golden Boot last season with a record 32-strikes.
With the likes of Naby Keita and Xherdan Shaqiri adding to Liverpool's creative side, there is no reason why Salah cannot repeat last season's heroics.
#1 Harry Kane
Undoubtedly the best striker in the Premier League, Harry Kane is expected to maintain the similar level of consistency that has propelled him to such heights over the past few years. Kane is a traditional number 9 with exceptional finishing skills, and hence scores a massive number of goals from inside the box.
Kane is not as dynamic as Diego Costa, nor does he possess the dribbling skills of Mo Salah. However, at the end of the day, scoring goals is of paramount importance for any forward player and no one does it better than Kane. His ability to emerge at the right place at the right time, incredible strength to hold the ball and the tendency to spread the play to the flanks are of extreme importance to the way Spurs' operate.
Kane can bully defenders in the air, and his accuracy while heading the ball is commendable too. Moreover, Kane exudes confidence in abundance during difficult situations, often demonstrating his composure and mental strength while taking important spot-kicks.
With the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Son-Heung Min playing behind him, he also has the quality service to convert the chances into goals.
