Top Goalscorer Tips for Euro 2012

The European Championship is a world renowned stage where prolific finishers display their craft to full efficacy. Now let’s take a look at the possible golden boot winners for this edition of the UEFA Euro tournament.

Top Contenders

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

The Dutchman’s exceptional goal-haul of 30 in 49 appearances makes him a marked man even before the tournament begins. The thing is, Huntelaar looks as if he is going to play from the bench, with Robin van Persie groomed to start the lone-striker position for Holland. Then again, expect Huntelaar to hit the back of the net when called upon. At 16/1 to be this tournament’s topscorer, he definitely is a possible steal and should be treated as a ‘must-pick’.

Cristiano Ronaldo

A 60-goal count in all competitions last season makes the name ‘Ronaldo’ ring a bell when mentioned alongside the phrase ‘Euro 2012 Topscorer’. Form is definitely on the side of the Portuguese, and last season, he was able to display the type of consistency you would expect form him. Even though there were occasions when he, again, ‘got lost’ in big games, Ronaldo has improved a lot and expect him to carry this maturity into the international arena.Thirty-two goals in 88 appearances for the Portuguese senior side doesn’t make him as efficient as Huntelaar, but 27-year-old Real Madrid star definitely has what it takes to claim the golden boot. Ronaldo is at 12/1 to become this tournament’s top finisher.

Mario Gomez

Nothing can be said anymore of Mario Gomez’s aptitude when it comes to finishing. Last season, Mario Gomez dished out 40 goals in 44 apperances – that’s almost a goal in every game! However it may be unfortunate that Gomez wasn’t able to lead Bayern Munich to a trophy last season, one could never deny the talent Gomez has.

Since his debut in 2007, Gomez only scored 21 goals in 51 appearances. Remember that he had to do this while playing second-fiddle to the likes of MIroslav Klose. With impressive form and undoubted class, Gomez is at 7/1 to be this tournament’s top goalscorer.

Outside Runners

Robert Lewandowski

Poland’s main man will be Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. The 23-year-old Polish will be keen to impress in front of the home-crowd after a breakout season, leading his club to a domestic double. Lewandowski hit the 30-goal mark in just 43 appearances in all competitions last season – a mark of efficiency, and take note, he is just 23.

Lewandowski has been in the senior side since 2008, scoring a humble tally of 13 goals so far. He hasn’t been this explosive in the past, so like his 2012 season, this summer’s affair could be his breakout moment. He is at 20/1 to win the golden boot.

Karim Benzema

During the 2010 World Cup, Karim Benzema was as apparently ignored by Raymond Domenech. Benzema bounced back big time, shining under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho in 2011 and scoring 21 goals with just 100 shots; a 25% conversion rate for the Frenchman. In the recently-concluded 2012 season, Benzema upped his numbers significantly, scoring 32 and dishing 12 assists in all competitions.

The Les Blues striker isn’t really a proven scorer in the international games – only 13 goals in 42 showings. Like Lewandowski who had a good season, this could be his breakout tournament, and he is at 16/1 to win the tournament’s top-scorer plaudits.

All odds are from Bet365.com (£200 FREE BET!).