As we approach the latter stages of the 2022 World Cup, goals will feel like gold dust for each team that dreams of the final. While some of the opening group games were relatively cagey affairs — 15 group games were goalless at half time going into the final matchday — things seem to have opened up now as we get down to the cream of the crop in football’s most prestigious tournament.
Indeed, we are now witnessing some of the best players in the world and while making a football bet in such a big game can be a challenging prospect, sometimes the best players shine when the spotlight is at its brightest. From Vincent Aboubakar’s delicious chip for Cameroon to Marcus Rashford’s drilled free kick against Wales, there’s been some great goals already this tournament, with the strikers stepping up to the mantle.
With that in mind, we thought we’d take a look at some of the best number nines in Qatar so far, and see how they fare not only in the race for the Golden Boot, but if any still have a chance of lifting the prestigious trophy on December 18. Read on to find out more.
Cody Gakpo – Netherlands
While no one was really surprised that the Netherlands topped their World Cup group, there were definitely concerns when Memphis Depay picked up a knock for Barcelona weeks before the tournament. With no real goal scorer in his absence, Louis van Gaal opted for PSV’s Cody Gakpo, and the young attacker has paid his manager back and then some. Three goals from three group games has put Gakpo on the map, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea interested in the 23-year-old, who joins an exclusive list of Dutch strikers to score in their first three World Cup games — only Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wesley Sneijder have done the same.
Kylian Mbappe – France
The star of the show at the moment in Qatar, Kylian Mbappe has been a force to be reckoned with for France. While Olivier Giroud adopts the more traditional number nine role, Mbappe has licence to roam in Didier Deschamps’ system, freeing him up to drive at defenders with his electric pace, peel off into space and drop deep to receive the ball. It’s the kind of freedom the superstar could only dream of at Paris Saint Germain, and Mbappe has ultimately looked happier in the France camp than he has alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar domestically. Mbappe will be crucial if Les Blues are to live up to the football betting tips billing and become only the third nation to defend the World Cup.
Alvaro Morata – Spain
While Alvaro Morata was a bit of a laughing stock for his time in England with Chelsea, the Spanish striker is perhaps one of the most underrated players of the last decade. A player for big moments, Morata has scored in Champions League finals and after plying his trade for the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus, it’s no surprise that Luis Enrique’s star striker scored three group-stage goals in Qatar. His finishing looks improved on what we saw throughout his spell at Stamford Bridge and a confident Morata is dangerous for any defence, with the Spaniard a physical presence as well as an intelligent poacher.
