Best Strikers in English Premier League - Part 1
After all the 'death threats', cheating scandals and ‘I want out’ talk, Wayne Rooney has finally signed a contract extension that -if he’s not sold or if he wants out again- binds him to the club till 2015. Even though, there is something suspicious or ‘more
to it than meets the eye’ about the whole thing, it is still a huge benefit for the Premier League.
Rooney has undoubtedly become one of the best strikers in Europe and arguably can be included amongst the elite all over the world. Had he not managed to draw a line under his past indiscretions and misconducts, he might never have been able to reach the
heights that he is at now.
Here is a list of strikers in the Premier League who are currently wooing the audience:
10. Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City):
Before his acrimonious departure from Arsenal, this Togolese hit man was loved by the Arsenal fans. The guy is blessed with great pace and strength and boy can he score some crackers!
But, his ‘over-exuberant’ celebrations in front of the same Gunner fans in his first match with Manchester City for whom he had left Arsenal, were unacceptable and foolish to say the least. He later announced his international retirement following the attack
on Togolese team's bus before the start of Africa Cup of Nations in January.
The emotional Adebayor recently scored a hat trick in Europe for the Manchester outfit. With his 60 goals in 135 games for both Arsenal and City, he is still a force to be reckoned with on his day.
9. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur):
Although, this little man from London isn't quite up there with the likes of Alan Shearer Ronaldo in terms of goals-game ratio, but still the start of 2009-10 season has showed what the 28 year old is all about? Seven goals for England and Spurs were followed
up by a hat trick during the 5-1 drubbing of Hull City.
This was enough for the ex-Portsmouth and WestHam man to be named the Premier League Player of the Month for August 2009. He then became only the second player in Premier League history to score 5 goals in the 9-1 slaughter of Wigan Athletic.
The start of this season also saw glimpses of 2009-10's Defoe but a knee injury sidelined him. The striker is expected to return next month and hopefully, he will be on fire again just like last season.
8. Darren Bent (Sunderland):
Tottenham's signing of Bent from Charlton Athletic for $25million was heavily criticized as he had notched up only 31 goals in 68 games. The criticism seemed justified as only 2 years later, after scoring only 18 goals in 61 starts, he was sold to Sunderland
at a cut-price.
Spur’s loss turned out to be Sunderland’s gain as the Englishman seemed to be rejuvenated by the move and scored 29 goals in just 46 appearances. Darren Bent is arguably the only reason for Sunderland’s survival in the league. He was the 3rd top
scorer in league last season behind Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney- a remarkable feat for the player who is part of a team that usually finishes at the bottom of the table.
At first, the striker was ignored by England's manager, Fabio Capello, but now he is in the national fold as well. Being only 26 gives him a chance to enhance his reputation as one of the deadliest marksman for years to come.
7. Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United):
The Bulgarian arrived at White Hart Lane in 2006 with a reputation of being a deadly striker. He further enhanced his reputation as his performances were instrumental in Spur’s push for a Champions League spot.
Still, Sir Alex was criticized and his judgment was questioned as he spent a club record of $48 million for the Bulgarian’s services. At first, Dimitar Berbatov made a slow start and was never able to realize his full potential as he was over-shadowed by
the likes of Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
But, the start of 2010-11 season has seen him found his touch and hence, Sir Alex’s faith in the Bulgarian is paying off. Berbatov has now taken more responsibility and has made sure that the Red devils don’t drift too far away from the league leaders, Chelsea.
His stunning hat trick against arch rivals, Liverpool was another display that removed any doubts whatsoever about the striker’s abilities. If Manchester United are to regain the Premier League crown, Berbatov will have to repay the faith his gaffer put
on him and needs to justify his price tag.
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