Records Ripe for the Taking: Kane, Haaland and the Assist Kings Chasing Glory

Picture this: the ball bulges the net, and the pundit erupts about some dusty old record. We all love it. Lionel Messi's hauls might as well be etched in stone, but across Europe's big five leagues – plus the Champions League – a few marks are wobbling. Who's got a shot at immortality this term? Let's crack on, pint in hand.

Drawing from sharp analysis by ESPN Italy, here's the lowdown on goals and assists that could tumble.

Premier League: Haaland's Drought, Fernandes' Flair

Erling Haaland's 36-goal blitz in 2022-23 looked vulnerable early doors. The Norwegian netted 14 in his first 11 games for Man City. But a barren spell – just one in seven from late December to early Feb – has slammed the brakes. No repeat heroics this time.

Shift to assists: Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne share 20 from yesteryear. Bruno Fernandes, now thriving post-Ruben Amorim's Old Trafford exit, leads with 16. He's bagged five in his first four after the gaffer left, and the gap's shrinking fast. Could the Man Utd skipper join the legends?

Bundesliga: Bayern's Double Threat

Robert Lewandowski's 41 in 2020-21 eclipsed Gerd Müller's long-standing 40. Now Harry Kane tops the charts with 30 for Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany. A blistering 10 in five to start? He's motoring.

But Lewy did it in 29 games – Kane's got work. Still, possible. Meanwhile, Michael Olise eyes Thomas Müller's 21 assists with 19 already. Bayern's flying in Kompany's second year; records feel inevitable.

LaLiga: Messi's Fortress Stands Firm

Lionel Messi's 50 in 2011-12? Untouchable. Kylian Mbappé's 23 at Real Madrid is class, but miles off. No shocks – Messi or Ronaldo own the top seven tallies.

Assists? Messi's 20 from 2019-20 tempts more. Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona whizkid and Messi 2.0, has 10. Talented, but not cracking it this campaign.

Serie A: Dimarco's Assist Avalanche

Gonzalo Higuaín and Ciro Immobile's 36 goals? Safe as houses. Lautaro Martínez leads Inter with 14 – no chance.

Assists are the fun: Federico Dimarco chases Alejandro 'Papu' Gómez's 16 with 15. The Inter left-back exploded for eight in five games from late Jan to mid-Feb. Low bar for Italy, but he's leaping it.

Ligue 1: Zlatan's Secure, Assists Stagnant

Zlatan Ibrahimović's 38 in 2015-16 laughs at Mason Greenwood's 15 (one clear of Joaquín Panichelli). Shared top scorer last year; no record smash here.

Ángel Di María's 18 assists? Ludovic Ajorque and Adrien Thomasson tie at 8. Monumental run needed – dream on.

Champions League: Mbappé's Late Charge?

Cristiano Ronaldo's 17 goals in 2013-14 looms. Kylian Mbappé's 13 keeps him in the hunt. Possible? You bet – if he turns it on.

Assists record sits at 9 (details fuzzy, but watch this space). Europe's elite could see fireworks.

So, mates, Kane for goals, Olise and Dimarco for dishes – who's your pick to etch their name? These chaps are buzzing. Cheers to the chase!