He is a striker in form, netting well over a goal a game, scoring in almost every match this season. He is leading his club’s title charge and taking his country to the brink of the World Cup.
Usually this would be a remarkable introduction for any one player.
But this season it applies to not one, not two, but three of Europe’s leading strikers.
Kylian Mbappe has hit 17 goals in 13 matches for Real Madrid and France this season. But the 26-year-old is only Europe’s third-most prolific striker.
Harry Kane, 32, has bagged 19 goals in 12 matches for Bayern Munich and England.
And Erling Haaland, 25, leads the way on 21 goals in 12 games for Manchester City and Norway.
As you do.
It is early in the season but it already seems to be a three-horse race for the European Golden Shoe – awarded on a points system to the top striker in European club football.
And only about half their goals have come in the league.
The three are currently far above any of their European competitors.
Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, who won the Ballon d’Or recently, has only played five times this season because of injury.
Alexander Isak has not found full fitness yet after missing the start of the season at Newcastle as he tried to force through his £125m move to Liverpool.
And Robert Lewandowski, now 37, has more substitute appearances than starts for Barcelona this season.
Viktor Gyokeres has not been able to keep pace either. Last season, he won the Gerd Muller Trophy – unlike the Golden Shoe, awarded solely on goals rather than a points system – scoring 63 goals for Sporting and Sweden. But he was never going to match those numbers playing at a higher domestic standard with Arsenal.
The three are currently far above any of their European competitors.
Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, who won the Ballon d’Or recently, has only played five times this season because of injury.
Alexander Isak has not found full fitness yet after missing the start of the season at Newcastle as he tried to force through his £125m move to Liverpool.
And Robert Lewandowski, now 37, has more substitute appearances than starts for Barcelona this season.
Viktor Gyokeres has not been able to keep pace either. Last season, he won the Gerd Muller Trophy – unlike the Golden Shoe, awarded solely on goals rather than a points system – scoring 63 goals for Sporting and Sweden. But he was never going to match those numbers playing at a higher domestic standard with Arsenal.
