We rate the Hyundai A-League’s hot-shots as the race for the Nike Golden Boot heats up with 11 rounds remaining before the season culminates in the Finals Series.
Will it be one of the top five who maintains their hot-streak to finish with the golden-boot, or will someone else come from nowhere to be the league’s leading scorer?
Nathan Burns: Wellington Phoenix – 10 goals
The diminutive attacker has been a huge factor behind Wellington Phoenix’s surge into the top six, netting 10 times to lead the pack despite missing a couple of games on Socceroos duty. Uses his lightning speed to his advantage, constantly getting in behind opposition defences and his confidence and the quality of his finishing has gone to a new level under Ernie Merrick.
At the start of the season there were question marks over whether the Irishman was the right man to replace the prolific Shane Smeltz at Perth Glory. Keogh has answered those questions emphatically. The 28-year-old has had a huge impact in his first season in the league, sitting just one off the top rung. Keogh is a well-rounded striker who has astonishing work-rate to go with his goals. And he can score all types of goals, with his head, with either foot and from outside the box or at close range. His hat-trick against the Roar in round two has been the highlight of a fantastic season so far.
Besart Berisha: Melbourne Victory – 9
It’s been another sensational campaign for “Bes”, who is again near the top of the scoring charts. After moving from Brisbane at the end of last season, the Albanian has fitted into Melbourne Victory’s system seamlessly and it’s evident in front of goal. It’s not just the amount of goals he scores but Berisha often saves his strikes for the big occasion, which makes him a huge asset for Victory heading into the finals.
The Sky Blues marquee man took a little bit of time to settle into his new surrounds but is starting to show why he is skipper of Austria. Has scored three goals in Sydney FC’s last two matches to indicate he could explode over the remainder of the season. His stunning strike against Brisbane Roar FC in round three remains a strong contender for goal of the season.
Henrique: Brisbane Roar FC – 7
The man known as the “Slippery Fish” is enjoying his best season in front of goal. With Thomas Broich missing a lot of the campaign through injury – coupled with Berisha’s move to Melbourne Victory – much of Roar’s goal-scoring burden has fallen on Henrique’s shoulders and he hasn’t disappointed. The scorer of some important goals for Brisbane during his time at the club, the Brazilian is likely to add to his impressive tally, especially with Roar’s form on the up.
And watch out for: Roy Krishna (Wellington Phoenix)
The Phoenix flyer has six goals for the campaign. With Jeremy Brockie now departed from the club, the Fijian will be a certain starter and has shown already this season – when he scored in four successive matches – he’s a threat for the Golden Boot. With seven of the club’s last 11 games at home, Krishna is likely to get among the goals as he makes a late charge for the goal-scorers’ trophy.
Vote for who you think will win this season’s Nike Golden Boot in the poll on a-league.com
