The ability to score and create goals is perhaps the most important thing in the modern game as we have all become increasingly obsessed by the ridiculous numbers some players have been reaching.
From playmakers to out-and-out strikers, some of the ludicrous numbers that the world’s leading players have been putting up in 2022-23 will amaze you.
We’ve compiled a list of the top eight players with the most goals and assists this season so far, with both club and international goal contributions being counted.
8. Harry Kane (30 G&A)
The Tottenham forward has somewhat gone under the radar this season, probably because the Golden Boot race in the Premier League was all but over in August thanks to a certain Norwegian.
With 23 goals and seven assists to his name during this campaign, Kane has been as prolific as ever. His contract situation is causing plenty of debate at the moment, but the 29-year-old hasn’t been distracted by any of the noise.
=6. Robert Lewandowski (35 G&A)
Barcelona’s European campaign abruptly came to an end, but their dominance in La Liga is a sight to behold. Xavi’s side sit eight points above Real Madrid and Lewandowski has been in fine form all season.
He’s leading the way as the top scorer in La Liga and he will be keen on adding a ninth domestic Golden Boot to his collection. With 27 goals and eight assists, it’s been a fine year so far. He even broke his World Cup drought this year too.
𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘄
Robert Lewandowski finally has his World Cup goal 🇵🇱👏
Look how much that means to him 😢 pic.twitter.com/TTdOLH3ivS
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 26, 2022
=6. Marcus Rashford (35 G&A)
Rashford’s turnaround under Erik ten Hag is nothing short of spectacular. From suffering from a confidence crisis last year to being in the Ballon d’Or conversation this time, it’s been some resurgence.
The 25-year-old has scored more goals than any other player in Europe since the World Cup break and he’s on course to hit some ridiculous numbers. In total, he has 28 goals and seven assists for club and country – already the best season of his career.
5. Mohamed Salah (36 G&A)
Considering the discourse around Salah this season, it’s a testament to the great player he is that he still ranks alongside the best players in the world.
There’s no denying that Liverpool haven’t been at their best, but Salah is still capable of conjuring up moments of magic. The Egyptian King has 24 goals and 12 assists to show for this campaign so far.
READ: Forget his goals, Salah flipped Martinez like a lunchtime omelette
4. Erling Haaland (39 G&A)
The goalscoring robot has taken the Premier League by storm, but he still has some worthy opponents to overcome in Europe. Having played a total of 36 matches, he has averaged 1.08 goal contributions per game which is freakishly good.
In total, the Norwegian has scored 34 goals and produced five assists for club and country. He’s going to break all sorts of records, isn’t he?
3. Neymar (40 G&A)
The Brazilian had started the 22-23 campaign with a fire in his belly and at one stage early on he was arguably the best player in the world. With 21 goals and 19 assists in just 34 appearances, he looked back to his very best this year.
Football can be a cruel sport though and his season has since been cut short after an injury he sustained while playing for PSG. He’s now set to miss the remainder of the campaign as he undergoes surgery.
2. Kylian Mbappe (48 G&A)
The Frenchman is the outright top goalscorer of 2022-23 so far with a whopping 39 goals to his name already. His World Cup final hat-trick earned him the Golden Boot and he’s been just as prolific for PSG.
Along with his goalscoring prowess, Mbappe is also an elite creator as he has nine assists to his name this season. He’s arguably the best player in the world right now, but he only takes silver on this ranking.
PSG are playing at this point 🫢
What a goal this. Worked by Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LoJcdpkFrz
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 26, 2023
1. Lionel Messi (50 G&A)
There are no superlatives that will do Messi justice. At the age of 35, the Argentine wizard is still capable of dazzling us all with a moment of jaw-dropping brilliance.
His World Cup triumph was the icing on top of an already stellar career and he still seems hungry for more. With 30 goals and 20 assists for Argentina and PSG during this campaign, we can feel his eighth Ballon d’Or loading.
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