Premier League Top Goal Scorers 2024/2025: EPL Golden Boot Rankings as Chris Wood Closes in on Salah, Haaland
The Premier League’s 2024/2025 season is proving to be another thrilling spectacle for football fans, with the race for the coveted Golden Boot intensifying as a number of players are vying for top honors. From the relentless Mohamed Salah to the towering Erling Haaland, the competition for the most goals scored this season is shaping up to be one of the tightest in recent years. However, there has been a surprise challenger emerging in the form of Chris Wood, who is quietly closing in on the top spots.
Here’s a deep dive into the top goal scorers of the Premier League as of December 2024, as well as an exploration of the key players shaping the Golden Boot race.
1. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 13 Goals
Overview
The Egyptian King continues to reign supreme in the Premier League. Mohamed Salah, the star forward for Liverpool, is once again proving that his consistency is unmatched. Having made his mark as one of the league’s most reliable goal scorers since his arrival at Anfield, Salah has shown no signs of slowing down. Despite Liverpool’s fluctuating form this season, Salah remains the heartbeat of their attack, routinely finding the back of the net from various positions across the frontline.
Playing Style
Salah’s ability to drift in from the right-wing and cut inside onto his stronger left foot makes him a constant threat. His blistering pace, combined with sharp dribbling and a clinical eye for goal, makes him one of the most dangerous forwards in Europe. This season, Salah has scored a mix of long-range shots, tap-ins, and a few trademark curling efforts into the far corner. He also benefits from Liverpool’s high press and fast transition play, which gives him numerous chances to convert.
Golden Boot Prospects
Given his form and Liverpool’s attacking style, Salah remains a favorite to win the Golden Boot for the third time in his career. His ability to score in all sorts of situations, including penalties, means he will always be among the top scorers. If Liverpool can find more consistency in their results, Salah’s goal tally will likely continue to rise.
2. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 12 Goals
Overview
The Norwegian juggernaut is never far behind in the Golden Boot race, and the 2024/2025 season is no different. Haaland, who took the Premier League by storm in his debut season with Manchester City in 2022/2023, is once again firing on all cylinders. Despite occasional criticisms about his team’s form, Haaland’s individual performances continue to shine, with his towering presence in the box and lethal finishing making him one of the most formidable strikers in the world.
Playing Style
Haaland’s style of play is based on physicality, positioning, and clinical finishing. Standing at 6’4″, Haaland is an aerial threat and excels at converting crosses. However, his ability to score with both feet, and even from outside the box, makes him a well-rounded forward. His partnership with Kevin De Bruyne and other City playmakers also ensures that he is always in the right place at the right time, often benefiting from perfectly timed assists.
Golden Boot Prospects
Haaland’s goal-scoring instinct is unarguable, and given Manchester City’s continued dominance in the Premier League, he will have plenty of chances to add to his tally. While there may be more competition from other players this season, it is hard to count out the Norwegian from finishing at the top, especially if City can maintain their form and provide him with a steady stream of chances.
3. Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest) – 11 Goals
Overview
Perhaps the most unexpected name among the top scorers, Chris Wood has been quietly making a case for the Golden Boot in the 2024/2025 season. The New Zealand international, who joined Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, has exceeded expectations with his goal tally this season. Wood, a traditional target man, has been a key figure in Forest’s attack, scoring in a variety of situations, from headers to instinctive finishes in the box.
Playing Style
At 6’3″, Wood is a physical forward who excels in aerial duels, making him a constant threat from set-pieces and crosses. He is not the most mobile forward, but his ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play has helped Forest’s offensive game. This season, he has shown improved technique with his finishing, adding a few well-taken strikes from outside the box to his repertoire.
Golden Boot Prospects
Wood’s consistency and ability to score from set pieces give him a strong chance of being among the top scorers. If Forest can continue to play to his strengths and create opportunities for him in the air and around the box, Wood could finish the season in the top five, or possibly even challenge for the Golden Boot if he goes on a strong run of form.
4. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City) – 9 Goals
Overview
Julian Alvarez has started to make his mark in the Premier League this season after being a supporting player for much of the previous campaign. The Argentine forward, who impressed at the World Cup, has been a key figure in Manchester City’s attack this season, often playing in a more advanced role as Haaland’s partner or even as the focal point in games when Haaland is absent or rotated.
Playing Style
Alvarez is a versatile attacker capable of playing both as a central striker and in deeper roles. His pace, vision, and technical skills allow him to drift into space and create scoring opportunities. He is particularly dangerous around the box, combining his sharp instincts with a potent shot. This season, he has added a few goals from distance, showcasing his growing confidence in front of goal.
Golden Boot Prospects
Alvarez’s ability to adapt to different attacking roles gives him plenty of opportunities to score. While Haaland is the main goal-scorer at City, Alvarez’s technical ability and the team’s attacking depth mean that he will always be a threat. If he starts more regularly, especially in the absence of Haaland, he could challenge for a top-five finish in the Golden Boot rankings.
5. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) – 8 Goals
Overview
One of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, Bukayo Saka has continued his ascent to superstardom in the 2024/2025 season. The Arsenal winger has been a crucial part of Mikel Arteta’s attacking setup, contributing both goals and assists as the Gunners aim to push for the top of the table.
Playing Style
Saka is a dynamic, skillful winger who can cut inside onto his stronger foot or take on defenders down the flank. His combination of dribbling, vision, and passing ability allows him to create opportunities not just for himself but for his teammates. He’s also developed into a more consistent goal scorer, taking on a greater responsibility in finishing chances.
Golden Boot Prospects
Saka is improving as a goal scorer each season, and with his role in Arsenal’s attacking system, he will continue to find the back of the net. However, as a winger, he may not get as many direct opportunities as the strikers ahead of him, so it may be a challenge for him to win the Golden Boot. Nevertheless, a top-five finish remains a realistic target for the young Englishman.
6. Evan Ferguson (Brighton) – 8 Goals
Overview
Evan Ferguson, the young Irish striker at Brighton, is making waves in the Premier League with his performances this season. Known for his intelligent movement and technical ability, Ferguson has shown he can be a reliable scorer in the top flight.
Playing Style
Ferguson is a well-rounded striker, combining strength with quickness and a good footballing brain. His ability to read the game and get into the right positions has made him one of the breakout stars of the season. His finishing ability is also growing, as he becomes more accustomed to the demands of top-tier football.
Golden Boot Prospects
Ferguson’s rise has been one of the most exciting stories of the season. As long as Brighton continues to create chances, he could very well finish in the top ten, with a possibility of breaking into the top five if he continues his rapid development.
Conclusion: The Race Heats Up
As the 2024/2025 Premier League season progresses, the Golden Boot race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. While Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland remain the frontrunners, there are several other players – like Chris Wood, Julian Alvarez, and Bukayo Saka – who are proving that the battle for top scorer is far from over.
With each matchday, new challengers emerge, and key players continue to deliver match-winning performances. The coming months will be crucial in determining who will ultimately secure the Golden Boot, but one thing is for sure: it’s going to be an exciting ride to the finish.
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