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We have come to the end of an enthralling year in the Premier League. The start of the season saw stadiums at full capacity, with fans eager to be a part of the action.
Teams have provided their supporters with high-tempo action, which is no surprise in a league where goals are never in short supply. One can always rely on the Premier League to be a rollercoaster ride, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The Boxing Day this year saw an incredible 28 goals scored in six games.
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With the business end of the season approaching, the festive period is a time to reflect on the year gone by. On that note, here's a look at the ten best Premier League forwards in 2021.
#10 Raphinha
While Leeds are having an appalling Premier League campaign, Raphinha has provided fans with some joy. In the absence of Patrick Bamford, the Brazilian has almost single-handedly carried their attack.
Thanks to his quick feet and mesmeric dribbling, Raphinha is difficult to stop once he gets going. He has 12 goals and eight assists in the Premier League in 2021. Eight of those strikes have come this season.
Once their injury crisis is over, Leeds might get their campaign back on track. They are currently 16th in the Premier League table, and might have been even lower if not for the Brazilian's brilliance.
#9 Jamie Vardy (2016 Premier League winner)
Jamie Vardy's rise to stardom is nothing short of a fairy tale. In 2010, Vardy was playing in the seventh tier of English football. However, his magical journey saw him lifting the Premier League trophy with Leicester City in 2016.
The 2019-20 Premier League Golden Boot winner has not slowed down despite being on the wrong side of 30. Vardy leaves everything on the pitch, and has a knack of scoring incredible goals.
He has bagged 13 goals and eight assists in the Premier League in 2021. He is the third-highest scorer so far this season with nine strikes.
#8 Emmanuel Dennis
There was a lot of speculation surrounding Emmanuel Dennis when he signed for Watford this season. Not many would have expected the Nigerian to perform quite this well.
Dennis has immaculate finishing ability and a tremendous presence of mind in front of goal. He has eight goals and five assists in the Premier League in 2021, in just 16 games.
Although Watford are fighting for survival in the Premier League, Dennis' recent performances have earned him admiration from fans.
#7 Diogo Jota
Considering Mohamed Salah's exploits in the Premier League, Diogo Jota's contributions might go unnoticed. Nevertheless, in only his second season with Liverpool, Jota is proving to be quite a signing.
He has 14 goals and one assist in the Premier League in 2021, in 28 appearances. Jota has scored ten goals this season, having already improved on last season's tally of nine. Only Salah (15) has scored more Premier League goals this season than Jota.
The Portuguese has been key for the Reds up front, scoring several game-changing goals. Jota is a versatile forward, and could be vital for Liverpool in their Premier League title challenge.
#6 Kelechi Iheanacho
Part of Manchester City's youth team, Kelechi Iheanacho joined Leicester City in 2017. He had a rough start to life with the Foxes, but has made strides in the last few years.
Iheanacho's commitment paid off, and he was the Foxes' leading goalscorer in all competitions last season. He has 14 goals and six assists in the Premier League in 2021.
Iheanacho has scored two goals this season, with his latest coming against Manchester City in a 6-3 thriller. The Nigerian forward has been mainly used as a substitute this season.
Leicester are currently ninth in the league as they seek to qualify for Europe next campaign.
#5 Heung-min Son
Tottenham Hotspur's Heung-min Son has been one of the best Premier League wingers in the last few years. The South Korean has a deadly combination of pace, footwork and finishing.
The winger won the Puskas award for his wonderful solo goal against Burnley last season. Son has an almost telepathic connection with Harry Kane, and the duo has linked up superbly at Spurs. However, the partnership has disappointed this season.
Son has 14 goals and nine assists in the Premier League in 2021. He has been Spurs' most influential player, leading their goalscoring charts this season with eight strikes.
#4 Phil Foden
One of the best young talents in the world, Phil Foden has made the world sit up and take notice. At just 21, the Englishman has fared very well in the Premier League.
He has recently played a more forward role as a false nine or winger under Pep Guardiola. Foden has 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League in 2021, in 31 appearances.
With a David Silva-like ability to run games, Foden is already developing into a great player. England have been blessed with many young talents in recent times, and Foden is one to watch out for in the next FIFA World Cup.
#3 Michail Antonio
The Premier League's Player of the Month in August, Michail Antonio, has been in fine form this year. He has been key to the Hammers, who have been splendid under manager David Moyes.
Antonio's commitment and hunger at both sides of the pitch have earned him admiration. He has 14 goals and ten assists in the Premier League in 2021. Half of those goal contributions have come this season.
After a flying start to the campaign, Antonio was awarded the Premier League Player of the Month award. The Hammers are currently fifth in the Premier League, and face tough competition for a Champions League spot.
#2 Harry Kane
Few strikers in the Premier League can match Harry Kane's precision and deadly finishing ability. The Tottenham forward may not be the quickest, but he is a goal-machine.
Kane ended last season with 23 goals and 14 assists, which were the leading numbers in both categories in the league. The 28-year-old has consistently scored at the highest level, despite fitness and injury concerns.
Kane has 18 goals and six assists in the Premier League in 2021. He has scored just four league goals this season, which is far below his usual standards. Nevertheless, Spurs fans will hope that manager Antonio Conte can get their forward back in goalscoring form.
#1 Mohamed Salah (2020 Premier League winner)
Mohamed Salah has blazed through the Premier League this season, and is in phenomenal form. The Egyptian has had an outstanding campaign so far, and has been Liverpool's most influential player by a mile.
One of the best in Europe at the moment, Salah has been making immense contributions up front. He has 24 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League in 2021.
With 15 goals this season, he seems on track to win his third Premier League Golden Boot award. Mohamed Salah also leads the assists chart this season, with nine. Liverpool are currently third in the Premier League after 19 games, and Salah certainly deserves most of the credit for that.
