Goals win matches. And if the last World Cup was anything to go by, this year’s edition should be awash with goals. We are living in a blessed time, as the Messi/Ronaldo period of dominance gave birth to a new era of goal-scoring excess.
Messi and CR7 felt like Olympian gods, taking the old definition of a top striker- one goal in two games- and changing it forever. They have opened the floodgates for an array of strikers who are regularly threatening a goal a game (Mbappe, Haaland, Kane, etc). I thought I would have a bit of fun and predict the five players that I think could trouble the scoresheet the most this tournament. I have had to make a few brutal cuts (I won’t mention them yet). But that’s part of the fun.
5. Julian Alvarez (Argentina)
Currently the subject of a childish inter-city transfer saga between Atletico and Real Madrid, Argentine marksmen Julian Alvarez could become a megastar at this year’s World Cup. He was one of the undoubted breakout stars in Qatar, scoring four goals in seven games and becoming the youngest man since Pele to score a brace in a World Cup semifinal. Alvarez was the key driving force in Atleti’s recent Champions League semifinal run, scoring ten goals and becoming the fastest South American to reach 25 goals in the competition. Lionel Messi is clearly still the heartbeat of this Argentinean squad. But unlike a certain Portuguese egomaniac, Messi is willing to let others share the glory and Alvarez should be the primary benefactor of his creativity. Also, Alvarez’s unerring dead-ball accuracy will give Messi a run for his money. Argentina have an inviting group featuring Algeria, Austria and Jordan. Alvarez and co should be able to feast on that.
4. Harry Kane (England)
2018 Golden Boot winner Harry Kane will be top of many people’s lists. And why wouldn’t he be? The English superstar has truly escaped his ‘Spursy’ trappings in recent years, leading a Bayern Munich revival that threatened to overwhelm Europe this season. He scored an incredible 58 goals in all competitions for Die Roten and has remained as consistent at international level. My one concern is that Tuchel might demand that he drops a bit too deep from time to time (especially as we approach the crucial knockout stages). Also, England play their toughest two games right out the gates (Croatia and Ghana). They may already be qualified by the time they meet relative minnows Panama, meaning Kane could be rotated for that last game. Still, I can’t not include him in this list.
3. Kylian Mbappe (France)
Mbappe has been an absolute phenom at World Cup level, scoring 12 goals in his two appearances (2018 and 2022). The mind boggles at what he could end up on. The 2022 Golden Boot winner had a somewhat surreal season at club level, securing another Pichichi Trophy while Real Madrid flattered to deceive. But any lingering doubt soon dissipates when he steps into the colours of Les Bleus. Mbappe needs just one more goal to match the French all-time scoring record held by Giroud (57). France have a deceptively tough group, with a more comfortable match against Iraq sandwiched in between tougher assignments against Senegal and Norway. I still think that their swashbuckling array of attacking talent could overwhelm even the most well-organized defences.
2. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
Some pundits have dismissed Spain’s World Cup chances due to a lack of a ‘marquee’ striker. I think that betrays the overwhelming bias towards elite European superclubs. 29-year-old Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal did wonders in a mid-table setup last season, scoring 15 goals for a Sociedad side that finished 10th in La Liga. More importantly, the highly intelligent striker has been on an absolute tear at international level, scoring 12 goals in his last 11 appearances for Luis de la Fuente’s title contenders. Oyarzabal is essentially the Thomas Mueller of this Spanish side: he isn’t particularly quick or skilful but is always in the right place at the right time. He should thrive in a side with the creative talent of Yamal and Pedri. Also, their first two matches are against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. Bon appétit.
1. Michael Olise (France)
My personal pick for the best player in the world right now, Bayern winger Michael Olise looks poised for a free-scoring tournament. Olise prepared for the event in empathic style, scoring a wonderful hat-trick against Northern Ireland to underline his obvious threat. I think the kinetic right-winger has been more consistent this season than both Mbappe and Dembéllé. Olise will have quite a bit of freedom in Deschamps’ fluid formation, often drifting from that right wing into a more creative no.10 role. I think that teams are going to battle to pick up his clever off-the-ball runs (especially when distracted by the immediate, direct goal-scoring threats of Dembéllé and Mbappe). The sight of him stepping in off the right and curling one in the top corner could become a familiar one over the next six weeks.
