Top 5 contenders for the European Golden Shoe 2016/17

Modified Mar 07, 2017 12:21 GMT

MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 15: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid gestures during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg match between Real Madrid CF and SSC Napoli at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on February 15, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) — Cristiano Ronaldo is a long way behind in the race for the European Golden Boot

#5 – Luis Suarez – 20 goals – 40 points

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 04: Luis Suarez of Barcelona reacts during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at the Camp Nou on March 4, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) — Luis Suarez has continued his scoring form for Barcelona

The defending champion.

Luis Suarez scored 40 goals in La Liga last season to lift the European Golden Shoe trophy for the second time in his career. The Uruguayan striker has not scored at the same astronomical rate as last season, but is still in the mix for the final prize.

Dovetailing alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr, the Barcelona forward has been crucial to the Catalan giants, scoring 26% of their goals – no small feat when you consider the players alongside him. His 20 goals in 24 games have come at a rate of a goal every 95 minutes.

Suarez has a knack for finishing seasons on a high, so do not count him out in the race for the European Golden Boot just yet – he is only 6 points of the top.