Ranking the five best forwards in the Premier League in 2024
12/31/2024 07:15 AM
The Premier League hosts some of the best forwards across European football.
Whether it be the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ or the other clubs in the English top-flight, they possess some of the most frightening attacking players the game has to offer.
As a result, the league is widely regarded as the most entertaining division to tune into as the number of incredible forwards playing in England is second to none.
Historically, the Premier League have had a world-class array of forward players, from Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry to Eden Hazard and Sergio Aguero.
But in 2024, there were five who stood above the rest.
5. Ollie Watkins
It’s safe to say that Ollie Watkins has had a year to remember.
In an Aston Villa shirt, the 28-year-old led the Premier League in assists (13) while also scoring 19 goals last season.
Watkins led Villa’s qualification for the Champions League for the first time in their history, scoring 10 goals and assisting five in 16 games.
While the England international has not been as potent for Aston Villa this season, he has still registered seven goals and three assists so far.
With that being the case, Watkins has done more than enough to warrant being regarded as one of the division’s best forwards.
4. Alexander Isak
It was at the start of 2024 where Alexander Isak truly established himself as one of the best players in the league.
For Newcastle United, the Swedish striker scored 12 league goals in 16 games out of his total tally of 22 last year.
This season, the former Real Sociedad hitman has scored 10 goals in the league as well.
Bruno Guimaraes described Isak as “world-class” and judging by how he manages to pair an eye for goal with his dancing feet, devastating pace and sublime technical ability, it is hard to dispute the Brazilian’s claim.
The 25-year-old has all the tools required to be classed as a complete centre-forward as he dazzled throughout 2024.
3. Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka could be injured for 10 games after suffering his latest hamstring injury, which was perhaps the only low point he suffered in an Arsenal shirt throughout 2024.
However, for much of the year, Saka was faultless, leading the Gunners to their Premier League title charge as they lost out to the coveted trophy to Manchester City by a mere two points.
This season, the 23-year-old has five goals and 10 assists in the league as the Ealing-born winger continues to prove that his consistency demands being merited as world-class.
Whether it be scoring or creating goals, beating his man or working hard off the ball, the Arsenal wideman can really do it all and his name belongs amongst the best forwards in the world, let alone in the Premier League.
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2. Mohamed Salah
It would be far from outlandish to claim that at this moment in time, Mohamed Salah is the best player in the world.
Salah has become the first player in Premier League history to reach more than 10 goals as well as 10 assists before Christmas, which highlights the remarkable season is he having at Anfield once again.
As Liverpool look like the favourites to win the title this campaign, the Egyptian has become the protagonist of Arne Slot’s high-flying side after being the main man under Jurgen Klopp for years.
However, the first few months of 2024 were far from happy times for Salah.
The Champions League winner suffered an injury after the Africa Cup of Nations and only scored three league goals while assisting just one during the second half of last season.
Salah’s calibre can never be called into question and it is no surprise that he has bounced back with a back this campaign.
1. Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland is a victim of his own extraordinary standards and as a result, the minute he has an off day or a few games without scoring a goal, his critics do not hesitate to slate him.
However, it is important to remember that Haaland, who won the Premier League title last season also took home his second successive Golden Boot in a row after scoring 27 goals.
Furthermore, the 24-year-old did so despite missing two months of football due to injury and bagged 13 goals in 2024 to lead City to their fourth Premier League title on the trot.
This season as well, Haaland has managed to score 13 goals in a Sky Blues side that are struggling more than they ever have under Pep Guardiola.
Perhaps the two-time Premier League winner’s greatness will only be truly acknowledged once fans and pundits alike are given time to reflect on his illustrious spell at Manchester City after it comes to an end.
