Here’s a look at who the best striker in the Scottish Premiership was in 2025 — considering stats, influence, consistency, style, and context. If you want a shorter version or want to focus on a different Scottish league (Championship, etc.), I can do that too.
Who comes out on top in 2025?
By most metrics, Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) is the frontrunner for best striker in the Scottish Premiership in 2024/25. (scottishfootball.info)
Why Dessers stands out
- Golden Boot winner
He clinched the SPFL Premiership Golden Boot with 18 league goals in 35 appearances. (Daily Post)
His nearest challengers — Simon Murray (Dundee) and Daizen Maeda (Celtic) — both ended with 16 league goals. (Daily Post) - Efficiency
Dessers’ goals-per-minute rate (in the league) was one of the best among players with significant game time. (scottishfootball.info)
Also, in all competitions he scored 29 goals, showing he performs not just in the league but across cups and European games. (Footballrover.com) - Consistency & influence
While Rangers didn’t win the league, Dessers’ goals were crucial in many games; he was arguably their most reliable scoring outlet. (Soccernet.ng) - Style & adaptability
He blends a good striker’s traits — strong finishing, decent movement, ability to get on the end of crosses or through balls, and to hold up play when needed. These qualities make him more than just a poacher. He’s someone who benefits his teammates too. Even some critics point to moments of inconsistency, but overall his impact was high. (Reddit)
Other serious contenders
Even though Dessers was the best by many measures, other strikers also made strong cases. Here are a few:
- Daizen Maeda (Celtic): Very energetic, good work-rate, combines goal-scoring with assists. He finished close behind Dessers in the goal charts. (Bet365 News)
- Simon Murray (Dundee): Scored well despite his team being less dominant; his goals had high relative value. (scottishfootball.info)
- Lawrence Shankland (Hearts): Had been the top scorer the previous season (2023/24) with 24 league goals. Even if 2024/25 didn’t see him top the charts, his reputation and recent history make him a serious figure in any “best striker” discussion. (heartsstandard.co.uk)
Possible qualms / context
- Team support & opportunities: A striker’s numbers often depend on how well their team creates chances. Rangers are generally one of the stronger attacking teams, so Dessers benefited from better supply than someone at a mid or lower table side might.
- Goal totals vs other leagues: 18 goals is a strong tally, but it’s not astronomical. In some cases, “best striker” arguments involve comparing across seasons, competition level, and the proportion of goals in big/hard games.
- Style preference: Some fans prefer a striker who plays a certain way (e.g. pressing from the front, dropping deep, etc.). Depending on what you value (pure scoring, all-round contribution), someone like Maeda or Shankland might appeal more to certain tastes.
Verdict
If I had to pick one, I’d say Cyriel Dessers is the best striker in the Scottish Premiership for 2024/25. He wins on consistency, scoring rate, clutch moments, and overall influence.
If you want, I can also rank the top 5 strikers, or do a comparison: “Who should be starting for Scotland?” or something like that. Do you want me to put together that rundown?
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