In his debut assault on English football, Erling Haaland reimagined what was possible last term, firing 52 goals all told, 36 in the Premier League at a rate of a goal every 77 minutes.
Unsurprisingly the formidable forward claimed the Golden Boot. Indeed, despite Harry Kane also performing wonders, the contest was all wrapped up with a couple of months to spare.
And with the Striking Viking already finding the back of the net in pre-season, his odds to replicate that feat are awfully slim. It feels almost inevitable.
These five clinical finishers might have something to say about that though, all at generous odds given who they’re up against.
Darwin Nunez
Mo Salah has been Liverpool’s top goal-scorer in the league for six straight seasons but with Nunez now acclimatised to the English game, and with the Reds unlikely to run so hot and cold next season after a summer refresh, who’s to say the onus of chief goal-getter can’t shift to the Uruguayan.
His opening campaign may have been decidedly mixed but the stats were there to suggest greater confidence and accuracy could produce a bountiful supply.
Across 2022/23, no other player averaged a higher number of shots per 90 and only Haaland received more big chances.
Son Heung-min
The South Korean will be the first to admit that he had a shocker by his exceptionally high standards last season, even if he ultimately managed double figures.
For much of the season, Son looked a shadow of his usual self, ineffective and on occasions anonymous. Hell-bent on putting that right, it will absolutely help that Ange Postecoglou is at the helm, a manager who favours attacking football and adventure.
And with Spurs likely minus the Bayern-bound Harry Kane, they will increasingly turn to their man on a mission to come up with the goods.
A joint-Golden Boot winner two years back, Son has the proven pedigree to provide.
Ollie Watkins
Prolific in the Championship, it took Watkins some time to find his groove in the top-flight but clearly in Unai Emery he has found a coach who believes in him and knows how to get the best out of him. Clearly too that bodes very well for Aston Villa.
Because the best of Watkins is an impressive sight, furthermore a player capable of the most purple of patches.
Between late January and mid-March, the England international bagged 11 in 12 as the Villans disproved the football betting and rocketed up the table.
Any kind of extension on that kind of form and 20-plus goals is a probability.
Alexander Isak
The skilful Swede played second fiddle in the goal-scoring at St James’ Park last season, contenting himself with a series of brilliant performances as Callum Wilson largely took the honours in front of goal.
In his second year in the North-East however, following his club-record £63m move, it is reasonable to expect even more from the gifted forward, including nailing down a starting spot and justifying Newcastle’s odds in the Premier League betting to again secure a top four spot.
Julian Alvarez
Reigning champions Manchester City have a pretty sweet strategy up front, relying on the phenomenal Haaland to blast lots of goals, then resting their main man from time to time, to allow Alvarez to come in and also blast lots of goals.
As things stand, the Argentine’s minutes will be limited again next term, but should an injury strike his team-mate consider the following delicious scenario.
At ludicrously long odds, suddenly a player who scored nine league goals in 1452 minutes last year – a World Cup winner no less – will be fronting a side who creates chances by the bucketload.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
