The Premier League’s best strikers have made an exciting start to the season, with two players reaching double figures after 12 games.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are neck and neck in the title race and the top contenders will need to continue to find the back of the net if they are to win.
Of course, being a striker is no longer just about scoring goals. You have to stay on your feet, connect the game, press, control the channels, provide flexibility and defend against threats.
In this list we look at all players who play on the wings or in the middle, but are not regular strikers. Without further ado, here are the five best strikers to ever grace the Premier League.
5. Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
It’s hard to ignore the feeling that Ollie Watkins’ career has taken off at Aston Villa following Unai Emery’s signing last November. Under Emery, Watkins redefined his game to the core and became a pure production machine. The England international has scored twice as many goals in each of his last three top-flight seasons at Villa Park.
His ability to take on players, tie up play and create the first touch has improved over the last 10-12 months, making him a reliable goalscorer for Villa.
After providing just two assists in the first five games, Watkins scored six goals and provided three assists in the last seven games, helping Emery’s side climb to fifth in the table.
4. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Bukayo Saka, 22, is one of the Premier League’s biggest stars. He scored 14 goals last season and added 12 more to help the Gunners move to the top of the goalscoring table.
England international Mikel Arteta was a key player in the team that pushed Manchester City into the title race. Technically gifted and tactically astute, Sakha is as good at right-footed shots into the penalty area as he is at finding the back of the net from the right flank.
The 22-year-old has made a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign, scoring four goals and providing as many assists in 11 games so far.
3. Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)
Son Heung-min inherited the title from Harry Kane after leaving for Bayern Munich last summer. He scored and assisted eight times in 12 league appearances while playing at centre-back.
It’s a great return for a player who spent most of his Tottenham career on the wing. The South Korean has lost his pace over the past 12-15 months but remains one of the Premier League’s most potent goalscorers into his 30s.
Fans and pundits alike have been concerned about who will share the goalscoring responsibilities following Kane’s departure, and Son Heung-min has eased those concerns with a strong start to the campaign.
The 31-year-old’s experience, freedom of movement and intelligence make him ideal for a central role in Postecoglou’s fluid system at Spurs.
2. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah showed once again why Liverpool can rely on him to score goals. He scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 12 league games, including an assist in the Reds’ 3-0 win over Brentford at Anfield last Sunday.
The Egyptian star’s overall performance is highlighted by his 11 big chances – at least three more than any other player this season. The 31-year-old is a pure production machine and has been one of the most loved players in the world for the last four or five years.
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland’s statistics speak volumes, he scored 67 goals in 70 games for Manchester City and was the main reason why they won the treble. Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium last summer, he has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, if not the best.
The Norwegian goalie has scored 13 goals in 12 Premier League games and is chasing the Golden Boot award. His work rate and pressing will be as valuable to Guardiola’s system as his goals, but his strong leadership cannot be overlooked, especially when it comes to the penalty kill.
At just 23, Haaland still has plenty to offer and Guardiola will be hoping the forward can maintain his composure and attacking prowess for the club.
