Top 10 leaders in the European Golden Shoe race

As the 2020/21 season enters the final third, it is time to check out the 10 current leaders in the European Golden Shoe race.

The 2020/21 European Golden Shoe race is beginning to take shape as clubs reach the halfway stage.

Last season’s runner-up Robert Lewandowski has already taken a commanding lead at the top of the table, irrespective of a league’s co-efficiency rating, with a stunning 40 goals in his 28 Bundesliga games.

The European Sports Media determines the outcome based on a player’s goal numbers and the strength of his league (e.g. goals scored * league strength = total points).

So here Ace Football checks out the 10 current leaders for this season’s Golden Shoe using only players from a top-five European league.

10. Luis Muriel – 44 points

The former Sevilla striker has scored four goals in his last five league games to help Atalanta climb up the standings into second-place.

Muriel, who has been compared to Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario in the past, is the third-highest goalscorer in Italy behind only Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku and Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo.

9. Karim Benzema – 44 points

The Frenchman scored his 22nd goal of the season to help Real Madrid defeat Granada 4-1 last week.

Benzema has been in superb form since returning from an adductor injury. He has supplied decisive goals against Atletico Madrid and Barcelona to keep Real Madrid’s title hopes alive.

8. Gerard Moreno – 44 points

The Villarreal striker has proved last season was no fluke by enjoying another prolific campaign this term.

Moreno has been a key factor behind Villarreal’s bid for a top-six finish and could be set for a top-three finish in the La Liga goal charts.

7. Romelu Lukaku – 46 points

The former Manchester United striker has proved to be the full package this season to help Inter Milan win a first Serie A title since 2010.

But while the league crown is in the bag, Romelu Lukaku isn’t done yet. He’s still bagging in the goals and has reclaimed his spot as the second-highest scorer in Serie A.

6. Kylian Mbappe – 50 points

Mbappe has had another impressive campaign in Ligue 1. His prolific form has helped Paris Saint-Germain stay within a point of league leaders Lille ahead of the final four games.

The 22-year-old could still be within a chance of a top-three spot in the European Golden Shoe race.

5. Erling Haaland – 50 points

The 20-year-old has kicked off his first full campaign in the German Bundesliga with a brilliant 21 goals already. Had a muscle injury not sidelined him for Borussia Dortmund’s last four league games of 2020, he could’ve been a lot closer to the top.

Nevertheless, Haaland has recovered from a torn muscle fiber and is firing in goals once again.

4. Andre Silva – 54 points

The former AC Milan striker completed a permanent €3m transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in September and has repaid the club’s faith by enjoying an impressive second season in the Bundesliga.

Only Robert Lewandowski has scored more goals than Silva in the German top-flight.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo – 58 points

After narrowly missing out on a first Capocannoniere award and a fifth European Golden Shoe, Ronaldo has entered his third campaign with Juventus more determined than ever.

The Real Madrid legend continues to bang in the goals in for a struggling Juventus and will be key in the club’s hopes of a top-four finish.

2. Lionel Messi – 60 points

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner’s resurgence continues following a lackluster start to the campaign. He has rediscovered his best form since the turn of the year and has proved key in Barcelona’s comeback in the La Liga title battle.

1. Robert Lewandowski – 80 points

The 2020 FIFA Best Player of the Year has made the difference yet again for Bayern Munich. His goal contributions have made up 50% of the club’s goals.

Lewandowski is determined to win a first European Golden Shoe after narrowly missing out to Ciro Immobile last season.

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