The English Premier League is the toughest and most challenging football league in Europe, as it is known for its competitive nature and fast-paced game.
Premier League tests a player’s temperament as it has witnessed some of the finest goal scorers who have won games for their sides with some attacking style of football and goal-scoring abilities.
In this piece, we highlight some of the best strikers in the history of the league who have entertained the fans. We take a look at these strikers in detail.
10. Andy Cole
Teams: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Portsmouth, & Sunderland
Cole was one of the most deceptive yet effective goal scorers, as very few might have noticed him taking on the opposition’s defence. He worked well alongside Dwight Yorke, who was another brilliant goal scorer, as together the duo unsettled the best defences.
Cole was sharp in front of the goal as his game went to the next level under Sir Alex Ferguson. He notched up 187 goals in 414 Premier League games, with 73 assists to his name.
9. Didier Drogba
Team: Chelsea
Dorgba’s reach and his ability to find space with his speed and technique took the opposition by surprise. The former Ivory Coast striker was known for his fearless runs that intimidated the best defences.
Drogba was quick to win possession with his powerful runs and operated with ease at the wings. His finishing was laden with power and accuracy. He had this knack of creating chances inside the box with long passes. He scored 104 goals in 254 Premier League games, with 55 assists to his name.
8. Robin van Persie
Teams: Arsenal & Manchester United
Van Persie made his debut at the age of 19 for Arsenal in 2004 under the guidance of Arsene Wenger but later moved to Manchester United in 2012.
The former Dutch striker had the ability to score goals during the run of play with his accelerating counter-attacks and quick footwork. He scored 144 goals in 280 Premier League games, with 53 assists to his name.
7. Michael Owen
Teams: Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United, & Stoke City
The former England striker became the youngest goal scorer at the age of 17 when he scored for Liverpool in 1997.
Due to injuries, Owen couldn’t reach the level he was expected to, but the former striker scored some sensational goals with his pace and accurate finishing. He scored 150 goals in 326 Premier League games, with 31 assists to his name.
6. Ruud van Nistelrooy
Team: Manchester United
The former Dutch striker has scored some amazing goals with his creative sense and clever positioning inside the box. Van Nistelrooy blossomed under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and he helped the Red Devils win Premier League titles.
He notched up 95 goals in 150 Premier League games with 14 assists to his name. Van Nistelrooy scored some amazing goals during set pieces with his accurate headers.
Also Read | Ten Legendary Footballers of All Time
5. Sergio Aguero
Team: Manchester City
The former Argentine striker blossomed under the mentorship of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, as Aguero was deadly with his electric pace and energy. His aggressive and attacking play terrorised the best defensive units.
Aguero was a mix of pace and skilful dribbling. He netted 184 goals in 275 Premier League games, with 47 assists to his name.
4. Harry Kane
Teams: Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City
Harry Kane’s finishing is a mix of pace, skill, and technique. The English footballer is currently playing for the German club Bayern Munich, but the striker has bamboozled the best defensive lineups with his accurate goal-scoring abilities in the Premier League.
Kane is amongst the best modern-day strikers. He scored 213 goals in 320 Premier League games with 46 assists to his name in the Premier League.
3. Wayne Rooney
Teams: Everton & Manchester United
Rooney made his debut for Everton in 2003 at the age of 18 but enjoyed success for Manchester United when he started playing for the club in 2004 under Sir Alex Ferguson. Although the former striker was criticised for losing his temper, Rooney’s game was a mix of speed and powerful scoring.
Rooney was a poacher inside the box as well as from inside the halfway line. He scored 208 goals in 491 Premier League games with 103 assists to his name.
2. Alan Shearer
Teams: Blackburn Rovers & Newcastle United
The former England striker was consistent with his goal-scoring abilities, and his fitness ensured his longevity. Shearer was sharp and accurate with his striking abilities.
Shearer played for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, scoring 260 goals in 441 Premier League games with 64 assists to his name.
1. Thierry Henry
Team: Arsenal
Arguably amongst the best strikers in the Premier League, Henry started his campaign with the Gunners in 1999, when former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was criticised for spending 11 million pounds on the Frenchman.
Henry’s game was a combination of speed and skill, and he had a knack for scoring from difficult positions. He scored 175 goals in 258 Premier League games, with 74 assists to his name. He was included in the Premier League Hall of Fame.
Read Next | Different Levels in ATP Tours – Explained