DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP managers are spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting their forward line.
Goals remain the game’s primary currency and so every self-respecting XI will need plenty of firepower up front.
With that in mind, let’s run through the bookies’ favourites to win the the Golden Boot in Qatar this winter.
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Harry Kane will be an immensely popular selection among Dream Team World Cup gaffers.
The England skipper needs three goals to break Wayne Rooney’s all-time Three Lions record — what better stage to achieve the feat than a World Cup?
Chances are, that is exactly what will happen, with Kane leading the betting to finish the tournament as the top scorer at 7/1.
Let’s not forget the 29-year-old already has a World Cup Golden Boot on his mantelpiece.
Gareth Southgate’s men have a relatively favourable group with Iran and USA up in the first before a mouthwatering clash with Wales on November 29th.
With provisional pricing currently in place, Kane is among the most-expensive strikers in Dream Team World Cup but given his impressive form for Spurs this season, he could well be worth the investment.
He’s joined at the top of the favourites list by Kylian Mbappe (8/1), Karim Benzema (12/1) and Lionel Messi (12/1).
The former has 18 goals and five assists in 19 appearances for PSG this term and will be determined to perform on the international stage after an underwhelming showing at Euro 2020.
Benzema, fresh from his Ballon D’Or win, has been quieter in front of goal recently but his record of ten goals in 16 caps for Les Bleus since his return to international football speaks for itself.
Those keen to back a France forward from the get-go have a difficult decision to make – some may even feel compelled to double up.
With this likely to Messi’s final World Cup, many are backing the little Argentine to finish with a flourish.
Not only is he 12/1 to win the Golden Boot, Argentina are second favourites to lift the trophy having not lost a game in over three years.
With Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Poland in their group, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could rack up plentiful points from the off and transfer his impressive club form to the World stage.
The 35-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in just 17 appearances across Ligue 1 and the Champions League in 2022/23.
It may feel strange to some to see Robert Lewandowski (33/1) at such long odds but this is merely a reflection of Poland’s fortunes rather than the prolific No9’s individual quality.
He has 18 goals in 17 Barcelona games at this stage but it will be a challenge for him to reach the knockout stages in Qatar.
Golden Boot betting
Betfair odds
- Harry Kane 7/1
- Kylian Mbappe 8/1
- Neymar 12/1
- Karim Benzema 12/1
- Lionel Messi 12/1
- Cristiano Ronaldo 14/1
- Romelu Lukaku 18/1
- Vinicius Junior 25/1
- Lautaro Martinez 25/1
- Memphis Depay 25/1
- Richarlison 30/1
- Robert Lewandowski 33/1
- Alvaro Morata 33/1
- Kai Havertz 33/1
- Ferran Torres 33/1
- Raheem Sterling 33/1
Neymar will play a huge role for pre-tournament favourites Brazil and is likely to be a fraction cheaper than the absolute most-expensive forwards in Dream Team World Cup once prices are finalised.
At 12/1 he’s on par with Benzema and Messi yet may be a marginally more affordable pick-up – a tempting prospect.
Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon lie in wait for Brazil, who are confident of adding to their trophy haul in this prestigious tournament.
Neymar has 14 goals and 11 assists in 18 games for PSG this season and will be at the heart of a formidable Seleção front line.
We simply have to mention Cristiano Ronaldo (14/1) when discussing Golden Boot candidates – he claimed the equivalent award at Euro 2020.
Portugal have Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in their group, representing a great opportunity for progression as group winners.
The experienced No7 hasn’t played all that much under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United and while he would have liked more game time, perhaps fresher legs will be a benefit in Qatar?
Among the dark horses, Memphis Depay (25/1) and Netherlands have a very winnable group with Senegal, Ecuador and hosts Qatar involved.
Though he hasn’t seen much game time, the Barcelona forward comes into the tournament fresh and could rack up plenty of early points for Dream Team World Cup managers who take the punt.
Depay has scored 21 international goals since the start of 2021!
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
