Top six contenders for Golden Boot in ISL 2022-23

Each of these stars has proven themselves as the leading goalscorers for their respective teams.

Last season, the ISL witnessed a flurry of goals as it turned out to be the second-most prolific season. However, in contrast to 2018-19, the goals weren’t concentrated among a few elite goalscorers. They were more evenly distributed across more players as teams found multiple sources of goals.

From seasoned strikers like Sunil Chhetri, all the way to rising heroes like Roshan Singh and Akash Mishra; scoring was neither limited to position nor age. The same hints at how coaches have revamped the tactical ideologies and have been encouraging players to hone their talents.

Bartholomew Ogbeche became the ISL’s all-time top goal scorer after clinching the Golden Boot last season with 18 goals. However, he might not breeze through it this time around, with other teams solidifying their rosters in the summer transfer market. Let us take a look at his competitors and the top contenders for the Golden Boot in ISL 2022-23.

6. Sunil Chhetri

The legendary Blue Tiger’s captain etched his name in history as he became the second-highest goalscorer in the ISL. Although historic precedents are nothing to go by in football, in Chhetri’s defence, he has actually defied the odds piled against him on numerous occasions.

From becoming the third-highest active men’s international goalscorer to being the highest goalscorer for India; he has done it all. Despite sputtering under Pezzaiuoli initially, he managed to score four times as he became the highest-scoring Indian in the ISL. Under Grayson’s revitalized system that plays a swashbuckling brand of counter-attacking football, Chhetri is bound to flourish.

The iconic striker has already proven that with three goals in the Blues’ run to the Durand Cup 2022 trophy. Competition from his stellar strike partner Roy Krishna is sure to keep him in the game and motivate him further.

5. Adrian Luna

Kerala Blasters fans are nothing short of spellbound when it comes to the performances of their twinkle-toed Uruguayan midfielder. The trequartista only scored six times last season but all of them were crucial and masterful strikes. This season he seems to have taken the standard one notch higher.

Luna scored the opening goal of ISL 2022-23, a well-timed finish to open the scoring for Kerala Blasters in a 3-1 win over East Bengal. Earlier in the same game, he had come to close to fooling East Bengal goalkeeper with a dipping free-kick.

Set-pieces are an added advantage as his stinging, dipping free-kicks are every goalkeeper’s nightmare. Amrinder Singh would testify to the same as he fell prey to one of these trademark strikes last season. Kamaljit Singh nearly conceded one in the ISL season opener at Kochi. If he keeps up with this scoring rate and the performances, the ISL 2022-23 Golden Boot won’t be an ineffable reality for him.

4. Roy Krishna

After blanking out in ISL 2021/22, it was evident that all Roy Krishna needed was a change of pace. The difference was notable when the Fijian switched his green and maroon for Bengaluru FC’s blue. Grayson deployed the clinical striker in a two-striker setup alongside Chhetri in the Durand Cup. Like his Indian counterpart, Krishna scored thrice in the tournament.

Additionally, the Englishman’s tactics would rely heavily on his skillset as the likes of Roshan, Udanta and Javi generate key opportunities. As his role is not limited to his predatory instincts in this setup, Krishna can participate in the buildup more often. Subsequently, he would draw more defenders out of position and get more goalscoring chances.

Such favourable conditions could potentially mean the forward getting back his mojo, and becoming a genuine contender for the ISL 2022-23 Golden Boot.

3. Alvaro Vazquez

Kerala Blasters’ fearsome attacking trio was spearheaded by the erstwhile Alvaro Vazquez, who demonstrated his goalscoring prowess in myriad ways.  Most of his goals were thunderous volleys that were nothing short of poetry in motion. Apart from those the forward also scored from a variety of obtuse angles; whether it be from the sides of the box or from the centre line.

The Spaniard will not really be in uncharted waters at FC Goa as he is used to their possession-based style of football. Although he finished eighth in the goalscoring charts last season, his skills did not go unnoticed.

The services of Edu Bedia and co. amongst the Gaurs could provide the spark needed to get him to the summit of this battle. Fans can expect him to put up a solid campaign at the helm of the FC Goa attack alongside Iker Guarrotxena.

2. Bartholomew Ogbeche

Hyderabad FC’s best bit of transfer business in the summer would probably be retaining the versatile Golden Boot winner. After leading the pack with 18 goals last season, Bartholomew Ogbeche will look to hound ISL teams once more in the Nizams’ colours. He cemented his position as the ISL’s all-time leading goalscorer and will look to extend his lead further.

“Bart” Ogbeche have already been crowned top-scorer in the 2019-20 season. The Nigerian has all the skills in his locker. From twisting and pivoting between defenders to making a late run into the box for a tidy finish. Needless to say, the likes of Joao Victor, Hitesh and Mishra will be tasked with getting quality deliveries to him.

Additionally, support from Joel Chianese and Javi Siverio should do more than enable him to retain the Golden Boot. Hyderabad FC should ensure the same as he was one of the primary reasons behind their maiden ISL trophy.

1. Greg Stewart

Stewart’s switch from the ISL Shield winners to former double winners was the most shocking move in the ISL 2022-23 transfer window. The Englishman was crowned Hero of the season in his debut campaign as he scored and assisted 10 times each. Apart from his wand of a left-foot, Greg Stewart scored some worldies with his right as well. He is also well-equipped to score and assist from both open-play and set-pieces.

His majestic free-kicks against Kerala Blasters and NorthEast United demonstrated these respectively.  One can also rely on him to score absolutely anything ranging from a feint-and-far-corner-finish to an elegant chip.  

Stewart has already gotten off to a flying start in the Islanders shirt as he finished second to teammate Chhangte in the Durand Cup goals tally. While Chhangte led the proceedings with seven goals, he contributed six of his own. Amongst a new-look attack featuring Jorge Pereyra Diaz and midfield talents like Alberto Noguera, Buckingham will have a new crown jewel in Stewart. If anything, Ogbeche should be wary of his most potent rival, who will stop at nothing to get his team to the title.