During the 25-years of the Premier League, we have seen some incredible strikers grace the English game. These players have often lit up games and proven to be integral parts behind some of the most memorable moments the game has ever seen.
Trying to determine the very best is a difficult task but something that can be done when you break down numbers and analyse what makes each striker so special.
In order to compile an accurate list, only players who have played a sustained number of seasons should be considered since consistency is vitally important to any successful striker.
Although players like Jurgen Klinsmann and Luis Suarez certainly left a mark, their short stays in England can’t really be compared to individuals who have spent many years playing in the Premier League.
Here are the five strikers who I believe are the best in Premier League history.
5. Wayne Rooney
Appearances - 494
Goals - 208
Wayne Rooney endured a long a prosperous career as a Premier League striker. His talent was obvious from the very start as his Everton debut was marked with a sensational strike against the then England number one goalkeeper David Seaman.
His time on Merseyside grabbed the attention of a wide selection of the biggest teams within Europe and gained himself a regular starting place in the English national side. After two seasons with his boyhood team, Manchester United signed the young prodigy for £30 million in the summer of 2004.
The Old Trafford stage was tailor made for Rooney as he quickly became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s revitalised side. Playing alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes ensured further progress over the already highly talented forward.
There are so many iconic moments produced by Rooney during his time in Manchester. Most people will probably rank his rocket strike against Newcastle United in the 2004-2005 season and his extraordinary bicycle kick against Manchester City in 2011 as the best.
4. Alan Shearer
Appearances - 441
Goals - 260
Alan Shearer was the original super star striker of the Premier League. His finishing ability was world class and his work ethic ensured he was head and shoulders above the chasing pack. The early days of the new English league was dominated by this goal scoring machine.
At Blackburn Rovers, Shearer forged a highly successful partnership with Chris Sutton which turned the Lancashire side into serious title contenders. During the 1994-1995 campaign, Blackburn managed to win the Premier League crown, owing largely to the incredible haul of 34 goals scored by the Jordy.
This meant the entirety of Europe wanted to sign the imperious goal scorer. In the summer of 1996, Shearer had a straight choice between Manchester United and his home team Newcastle United. He famously snubbed the Red Devils and joined the Magpies for a then world record fee of £15 million.
Despite failing to win any silverware in the north east, Shearer’s time at Newcastle was highly successful from a personal perspective. His consistent goal scoring ensured Champions League qualification on a couple of occasions and helped the side reach two FA Cup finals.
3. Didier Drogba
Appearances - 254
Goals - 104
Didier Drogba has been an integral part of the Chelsea’s most successful ever period. After joining the side in 2004, the Ivorian’s performance levels and ultimately his goal scoring ability helped the blues clinch four Premier League crown’s.
Although Drogba failed to register big number in his first few seasons in London, his presence in the side made Chelsea intimidating and ruthless. Back to back titles were won between 2004-2006 with the Ivorian playing a huge role kitting out the spine of Chelsea’s team.
The 2009-2010 season was by far Drogba’s best as he managed to help clinch Chelsea’s third title with an incredible 29 goals to his name. Goal scoring was second nature throughout the campaign as the Ivorian was Equally competent at scoring from a wide selection of methods.
Drogba is by far the best African footballer to grace the English game and will certainly go down as one of the most physically impressive athletes to play in the Premier League. These days, many footballers such as Romelu Lukaku seek advice from the Chelsea legend.
2. Thierry Henry
Appearances - 258
Goals - 175
Thierry Henry made scoring goals look easy during his entire time playing in the Premier League. Whether it was volleys, long or short strikes, the Frenchman had an incredible knack for hitting the back of the net.
Arsenal were now a free-flowing side under the management of Arsene Wenger which played right into Henry’s hands. He was able to maximise the benefit of playing alongside creative players like Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp to allow himself to flourish in the English game.
Henry managed to hit five straight seasons with 20+ goals to his name. The Frenchman’s best season in England was Arsenal's unbeaten year of 2003-2004. During the season, Henry managed to grab himself 30 goals and play a huge role in arguably the best ever Premier League winning side.
Consistency and drive were his biggest assets which enabled him to claim the crown as goal scoring king for many years in England. There is no question that Henry’s rise to prominence was a huge factor behind the Gunner’s success in the early part of this century.
1. Sergio Aguero
Appearances - 212
Goals - 147
Given the fact Sergio Aguero is playing in the most competitive era the Premier League has ever seen has meant his goal scoring ability makes him perhaps the greatest striker in the English game. The Argentine is simply mercurial when it comes to hitting the back of the net.
His incredible ability to score goals was evident from the very start as he managed to grab 23 goals in his first campaign. This was an integral component behind Manchester City’s title win that year, especially his final strike which proved to be a 93rd minute winner against QPR on the final day of the season to snatch the crown away from city rivals Manchester United.
Carlos Tevez, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli have all taken turns to be the main hit man at Manchester City but none have come anywhere near to the performance levels displayed by Aguero. The fact a South American has stayed this long in England and remained so consistent his highly impressive.
The Argentine has already bagged five 20+ goal scoring seasons and looks like he will grab even more so long as he his still playing in the Premier League. With a current tally of 147 goals to his name, it will be intriguing to see just how many strikes the Argentine will finish with when his playing days are up.
What do you guys think? Have I missed out anyone obvious or do you agree that these are the best strikers in Premier League history?
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