The race for the European Golden Shoe - December 2018 watch

#5 Neymar (PSG)

League - France Ligue 1

League coefficient (x2)

11 goals (22 points)

Neymar

Regularly touted as the next global superstar after Messi and Ronaldo exit the scene, Neymar completed a shock record breaking transfer to PSG in the summer of 2017 to facilitate his claim to Ballon d'Or glory, as being in Barcelona meant he would always be in Messi's shadow.

Things however did not go to plan in his debut season in France, as Neymar could only watch on helplessly as the moneybags crashed out of the round of 16 in the UCL to Real Madrid in embarrassing fashion.

He also faced criticisms of his unprofessionalism, with bustups with teammates, as well as abuse of his star status not rubbing off well with a lot of fans.

Despite the intense prayers of over 200 million football crazy Brazilians for Neymar to become fit in time for the World Cup, he once more disappointed, and received much stick for his play-acting as Brazil got eliminated by Belgium at the quarter-final stage.

PSG is so dominant in the French league that they are expected to win it every season without breaking a sweat, and this is reflective in that three of their forwards find themselves near the summit of the scorers chart.

So far this season, Neymar has scored 11 goals in 12 matches while laying on a further 5 assists as PSG look all but certain to claim the French league for the seventh time in the last eight years.

#4 Florian Thauvin (Marseille)

League - France Ligue 1

League coeffcient (x2)

11 goals (22 points)

Florian Thauvin

The World Cup winner has been a steady performer for Marseille in the last three seasons, and was one of the most consistent players in their Europa League final run last season with his displays on the wings earning him plaudits.

So far this season, he has scored 11 Ligue 1 goals and laid on two assists in 15 matches, and his performances have caught the eye across Europe, leading to interest from clubs such as Arsenal and Bayern Munich.