Premier League hotshots ready to compete for their own Golden Shoe
Published:It’s often argued that the Premier League plays host to the world’s finest players, and now a World Cup market looks set to prove it.
Bettors have the chance to put money on which of English football’s top stars will end the tournament with the most goals.
And the field is almost as multinational as the event in South Africa itself, as the six current favourites for the title will all take the field for different countries at this summer’s tournament.
Currently heading the list is the native Wayne Rooney, a 3/1 shout. Patriotism may have a large part to play in that though and better value for money can be found further down.
Following him is collection of world-class centre-forwards. Spain’s Fernando Torres is 9/2, Holland’s Robin Van Persie, a 5/1 chance, Argentina’s Carlos Tevez is 10/1 and France’s Nicolas Anelka 12/1.
The sharpest bet of the lot, though, could be Robinho, at a lengthy 12/1. He is still on Manchester City’s books and may be getting overlooked after going on loan to Santos at the beginning of this year.
After an explosive start to his City career, Robinho’s form drastically tailed off last season with Roberto Mancini finally losing patience and ushering him out.
The trip back to Brazil has seen Robinho rediscover his confidence though, and he grabbed 11 goals in 19 games for Santos, the club where he began his career.
Robinho is a guaranteed starter for his nation and is seen as key to Dunga’s plans for a World Cup triumph. He scored four times in 15 qualification games and started all of Brazil’s Confederations Cup matches, hitting the net once.
Indeed, he is running into form at just the right time having notched four goals in Brazil’s last three matches and should Brazil, as predicted, reach the final, he will have ample opportunity to add to his 75 caps and 23 international goals.
If Didier Drogba confirms his fitness, he’ll be added to the Top Premier League Goalscorer market, which looks set to be equally as exciting as the tournament proper. Peter Crouch is 14/1.
