Many would argue that wealth of talent up top this Championship season is the best the league has offered to date.
Just over 10 games in and already the quality of many top teams’ well financed strike force is beginning to show – especially against their lower placed outfits.
No two strikers in this division are the same – each claiming vital goals in their own individualistic way.
But of the talent on show, who is the best of the lot?
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO SEE THE TOP 5 STRIKERS
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- Nick Blackman - Reading
Many would feel that Nick Blackman has come as something of a surprise this season. Nevertheless, I’m sure countless Reading fans knew it was only a matter of time before their in-form forward started turning heads.
Blackman has begun his season in impressive fashion, netting eight times to top the Championship top scorer table.
After flying out of the blocks, it seemed only fitting to mention such an inspired start. The only question that remains is can he keep his form going?
- Benik Afobe - Wolverhampton Wanderers
Since joining Wolves in January of 2015, it is fair to say that 19 goals in just over 30 appearances certainly provided the former Arsenal academy striker with a direct route to hearts of his Molineux supporters.
The dangerously strong centre-forward first rose to prominence at MK-Dons, on loan from Arsenal, in the first half of last season.
After bagging 10 goals in 22 appearances, the 22-year-old consequently landed a permanent move in the January transfer window to promotion chasers, Wolverhampton Wanders, and has not looked back since.
As the Championship resumes for another season of action, Afobe has made an impressive start - adding another six goals to his already plentiful tally.
Already attracting Premier League interest – Benik Afobe is definitely a player to keep an eye on this season.
- Jordan Rhodes - Blackburn Rovers
I’m struggling to remember the last time a player in any league, let alone in the Championship, has scored over 20 goals for three consecutive seasons.
With over 160 goals to his name, it goes without saying that this lad is a goal scoring machine and what amazes me further is that he is only 25!
Since signing for Blackburn in 2012 for a record breaking £8,000,000, I’m sure his side will feel that 81 goals in all competitions is something of a safe return.
Rhodes has started the new season strongly, netting on seven occasions and setting himself well on course for a fourth consecutive 20+ goal season.
Surely you would have to assume that if Rhodes continues at the pace he is, it won’t be long before a Premier League opportunity comes knocking at his door?
- Chris Martin – Derby County
While many may be shocked by this decision, I urge to you hang on and hear me out on this one.
Since joining the club on loan back in February 2013, it is fair to say the former Norwich striker went largely unnoticed until joining permanently the following summer.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the arrival of Steve McClaren at the start of the 2013/14 season marked a new chapter in centre-forwards career.
Two years on and 45 goals later, Martin has very quickly made himself an integral part of the Derby side – with the Rams constructing a 4-3-3 formation for him to play a vital role in the centre and link up all their play.
The significance of the striker’s presence was for all to see last season. Injury struck Chris late on in the season, causing the Rams to uncontrollably crumble and fall out of the top six.
That being said, an injured Martin still managed a respectable 21 goals in the league – only a slight downgrade on his 25 goals the season before.
In the current season, Martin has hit the back of the net on 7 occasions; this includes two strikes on Sunday against Wolves – one of which that was of exceptional quality.
Surely if the striker’s impressive form continues, it’s almost guaranteed that Martin will achieve his target of 20+ goals for a third consecutive season?
- Charlie Austin – Queens Park Rangers
For me Charlie Austin really is the pick of the bunch; the one standout striker in the league this season - which no one can deny is simply exceptional.
The only real surprise with Charlie Austin is the fact that he still remains at QPR instead of at one of the many Premier League clubs that were determined to sign him this summer.
When looking back at Austin’s career – his rise to the top really is nothing short of miraculous. Having been released by Reading as a youngster, the highly rated forward played at non-league level until 2009.
After a breakthrough at Swindon town, Austin took his opportunities well – netting 31 times and subsequently landing respective moves to Burnley & QPR.
During his first stint at Premier League level with QPR last season, Austin hit the back of the net 18 times – earning himself a call up to England’s senior team.
Despite fierce interest, particularly from Newcastle United, this summer, Austin still remains a QPR player and is yet another in-form striker who has netted seven times this season.
The only question regarding Austin now is for how long will he remain in a blue and white shirt?
Do you agree? Let us know in the comment box below who you think the best striker in the Sky Bet Championship is!