Golden Boot Race: Messi Trailing, who wins it then?

The race for the Golden Boot is up and running with the current winner trailing behind significantly this time. The No.9s and THE No.7 are fighting a close battle for the best striker in Europe’s top 5 leagues at the moment. Messi, the last year’s winner of Golden Boot has been a contributor of assists consistently, but not much with scoring goals. Perhaps, this is his worst goal drought in 6 years. As the Argentine tries to cope up in the already uphill battle, here’s a look at the contenders:

Golden Boot Winner Calculation:

Before we get into the listings, here’s the method how the winner’s decided:

1. Number of league goals
2. Multiplied by each league’s factor (Top 5 European leagues = 2)
3. Results in a points total 

1.Ciro Immobile:

The Italian has been in a brilliant form in Serie A, scoring 26 goals for Lazio in 24 appearances. His crucial goal against Brescia propelled them up the table. They sit 2nd only to Juventus with only a single point difference but higher goal difference. In his entire career, Ciro Immobile is the closest to the Golden Boot this year than any other season before.

2.Robert Lewandowski:

The Polish is defined presently, as the best No.9 in the world by many. Bagging 23 goals for Bayern in the league, it is no surprise that he is very much in the race for the top scorer. Keeping the point in perspective, Robert Lewandowski has earned 46 points as compared to Ciro’s 52.

3.Haaland, Werner and Ronaldo:

As the countdown takes the number of points in account along with goals, this position has quite a competition. Erling Braut Haaland doesn’t look to stop scoring as he wishes any time soon and leads with 24 goals in a combined stat for Salzburg and Dortmund. Cristiano Ronaldo and Timo Werner have both bagged 20 goals each, while all the 3 have earned 40 points in their respective leagues.

4.Jamie Vardy, Romelu Lukaku:  

Romelu Lukaku has changed his fortunes under Conte, after a rather forgettable spell at Old Trafford. Emerging as one of the most prolific strikers in Serie A, he has scored 17 goals, earning his team 34 points. A very similar stat stands for Jamie Vardy, who has been equally consistent under Rodgers, scoring 27 goals and earning 34 points. Interestingly, both their teams sit 3rd in their respective leagues.

5. Aguero, Ben Yedder:

While one remains one of Premier League’s most consistent strikers, the other moves from Sevilla to top the scorers’ table in Ligue 1. Sergio Aguero is still a joy to watch, but his position may get dicey after the City Ban. Wissam Ben Yedder, however, looks in fine form and has the same goal-point combination as the Argentine- 16 goals, 32 points.

Honourable Mention:

Erik Sorga: The 20-year Estonian youngster has been a crucial striker for the League Champions. He bagged 31 goals in 34 appearances in Premium Liiga, to enable FC Flora Tallinn to lift the title in October. Though he helped the team earn 31 points, he won’t be able to move up the order in this list as their season ends in October.