Tag: goals

Van Persie and Owen left out of elite list of top ten Premier League strikers

The Premier League has played host to countless iconic strikers, from legends of the game to cult heroes and one-season wonders.

It makes for an extremely difficult task when it comes to whittling down the list for the greatest forwards of the Premier League era.

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Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world right now and not just in the Premier LeagueCredit: AFP

But, as is often the case with lists centred around a hotly-debated topic, some big names will inevitably be omitted.

That’s exactly what happened when former Premier League striker Darren Bent revealed his list of the greatest forwards to have played in the top flight.

Bent knows what he’s talking about when it comes to goals, having scored 106 in the Premier League across stints at Ipswich Town, Charlton, Tottenham, Sunderland, Aston Villa and Fulham.

He revealed his selections for his top ten Premier League strikers when it was put to him that Jamie Vardy was worthy of a spot in the top ten list for greatest goal-getters.

After all, the Leicester man is 37 years old and still scoring and set a record of scoring in 11 straight games when Leicester won an unlikely title in 2016 and he won the Premier League Player of the Season.

As good as he is, though, Vardy doesn’t make the cut. Making a list of the best ever is harder to do than you might think.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry was ranked first in Bent’s list, but could not rank the other nine which consisted of Alan Shearer, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ian Wright, Andy Cole, Luis Suarez and Didier Drogba.

The inclusion of Drogba may have raised some eyebrows given the Chelsea hero finished with 12 or less Premier League goals in seven out of his nine seasons in the top flight.

However, Bent, who came up against Drogba several times in his career, believed the Chelsea great was more than worthy of a spot in his list.

“I played against Drogba in his pomp,” Bent said on talkSPORT Drive.

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Drogba was a driving force for ChelseaCredit: AFP

“I think too often people look at his numbers and go, ‘How can he be up there?’

“But he was strong, powerful, could score goals. He was the centre forward when Chelsea had all the success. He was one of the main players in that team.”

Bent, a passionate Arsenal fan, then addressed the absence of Van Persie, who scored 144 goals in 280 Premier League appearances.

Rio Ferdinand reveals Sir Alex Ferguson hammered Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney for not passing to Robin Van Persie at Manchester United

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Van Persie scored a total of 132 goals for Arsenal and 58 for Man United and was the 14th highest Premier League scorer of all time

“I know there’s people that I’ve left out, like Van Persie,” Bent said.

“Maybe that’s a bit personal because of the way he left Arsenal.”

Bent also explained why he left out Michael Owen, who was the last English player to win the Ballon d’Or.

“With Owen, when he first burst onto the scene, I’ve never seen anything like it, other than Rooney,” he explained.

“I was like, ‘Oh my goodness gracious.’ Michael Owen was incredible, but I look towards the hamstring injuries.”

Darren Bent’s top ten Premier League strikers

Thierry Henry – 175 goals (Arsenal)

Alan Shearer – 260 goals (Blackburn and Newcastle)

Harry Kane – 213 goals (Tottenham and Norwich City)

Wayne Rooney – 208 goals (Everton and Man United)

Sergio Aguero – 184 goals (Man City)

Ruud van Nistelrooy – 95 goals (Man United)

Ian Wright – 113 goals (Arsenal and West Ham)

Andy Cole – 187 goals (Newcastle, Man United, Blackburn, Fulham, Man City, Portsmouth and Sunderland)

Luis Suarez – 69 goals (Liverpool)

Didier Drogba – 104 goals (Chelsea)

Bent acknowledged Owen had won the Ballon d’Or but still feels Henry deserved his spot on the list considering he if often labelled the greatest ever Premier League player.

ERLING HAALAND

However, Bent may be forced to revise his list by the end of the season if a certain Norwegian maintains his frightening goal record.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland bagged his second hat-trick of the 2024/25 Premier League season as his side overcame West Ham last weekend.

Haaland’s three strikes took his league goal tally to 70 goals from 69 games, but that’s not the only stat that emphasises how absurdly good he is.

The 24-year-old has the best goals-per-minute average in Premier League history with a goal every 80 minutes.

To put it in comparison, City legend Sergio Aguero is second with an average of a goal every 108 minutes.

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After his hat-trick against West Ham, Haaland’s Premier League stats are phenomenal

Additionally, Haaland has scored just six fewer goals than Everton have scored since he moved to City in 2022.

Given Haaland is only in his third season at the Etihad Stadium, it may be a little premature to make any declarations about whether he will be the greatest Premier League striker of all time.

But for former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew, Haaland is undoubtedly in the conversation.

“If you’re going to say to me he is better than Ian Rush, he is better than Kenny Dalglish, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, of course you’ve got to look at him and go, ‘Well, he’s definitely in the conversation,’” Pardew told talkSPORT.

“I mean, it’s too early to say whether he’s going to be the best of all time. We’re talking about real top of the tree stuff, but he’s in the conversation.

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Haaland scored his second hat-trick of the season against West HamCredit: Getty

“He’s on course to really break some records.”

Should Haaland maintain his stunning average for minutes per goal, it will take him approximately 169 games to equal Shearer’s record of 260 Premier League goals.

Even if he does not surpass Shearer’s tally, Haaland is well on his way to cementing himself in the conversation of the Premier League’s greatest strikers.

For Bent, that means he’ll have to revise his list once more.

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September 2, 2024
I played against Ballon d’Or winner and Shearer but World Cup winner was amazing

Steve Bruce’s stint as Manchester United captain during the 1990s saw him go head-to-head with the best strikers in world football.

The growing popularity of the newly-formed Premier League in 1992 was spearheaded by Sir Alex Ferguson’s serial winners as they fought tooth and nail to close in on Liverpool’s 18-League title haul.

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Bruce went down in history as a United legendCredit: Getty

Bruce was at the heart of United’s ascent that saw the Red Devils land four of the first five Premier League titles following its inception.

With that, came tussles against the best strikers English football had to offer as United became the measuring stick for the remaining 19 clubs to emulate.

Despite United’s dominance, Bruce was regularly put through his paces by stars such as the Premier League’s top scoring Alan Shearer, Arsenal hero Ian Wright and World Cup winner Jurgen Klinsmann, but more often than not, a gulf in overall in United’s quality saw Bruce and co come out on top.

However, the Champions League was the stage that tested Bruce and his teammates more than any other.

United hadn’t won the competition since 1968 and it was there that the ex-United captain came up against the player he regards as the best he’s ever faced such as Ballon d’Or winner Hristo Stoichkov, Pep Guardiola and one phenomenal goal scorer.

“The Brazilian Romario for Barcelona,” Bruce told talkSPORT when asked who his toughest-ever opponent was.

“Wow, he was incredible,” he added. “It’s sometimes difficult to pick out one individual because Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish back in the day – how good were those two?

“If I had to pick one, then Romario would probably be the one.”

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Bruce skippered United on what turned out to be a forgettable night at the Nou CampCredit: Getty

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But Bruce will never forget playing against RomarioCredit: Getty

Bruce lined up against the Brazil legend in the Champions League group stages in 1994 and it was certainly a night to forget for Ferguson’s side.

“He gave me the absolute runaround in the Nou Camp when we lost 4-0,” said Bruce. “It could have been 12-0 if I’m brutally honest. He was a fabulous footballer.”

Steve Bruce reveals former Birmingham City cult hero was the best player he has ever managed

Romario scored on the night adding to a double from strike partner Stoichkov before former Chelsea defender Albert Ferrer added a fourth goal two-minutes from time.

Romario, who won the World Cup in 1994, remains the ninth-highest goalscorer in the history of football with 784 goals in 1002 official games.

Domestic bliss was struggling to transcend onto the European scene as United were dumped out at the group stages with Swedish side IFK Gothenburg topping the standings ahead of the Catalan giants.

United’s travel sickness on the continent was hindered by a five-year European ban imposed on English clubs following the Heysel tragedy in 1985.

English clubs were reinstated shortly after the 1990 World Cup but it took another nine years before the Red Devils were able to reach the holy grail.

Sadly, it came too late for Bruce who announced his retirement from football that season as a Sheffield United player.

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March 19, 2024
Szoboszlai wins prestigious award but Ferdinand thinks he’s being overly hyped

Dominik Szoboszlai is Hungary’s male Athlete of the Year, but Rio Ferdinand still isn’t convinced.

Liverpool signed the 23-year-old in a £60million transfer last summer, a deal that is already look like good value for money.

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Szoboszlai arrived last summer and has slotted straight into life at LiverpoolCredit: Getty

The 23-year-old has featured regularly in the Premier League, starting 19 of Liverpool’s 20 fixtures and making 26 appearances in all competitions.

Playing in the middle of the park, Szoboszlai has scored four goals and offered three assists, proving he has something to offer in terms of end product.

The midfielder also captained his nation to an unbeaten qualifying campaign for this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament, leading to the award in his homeland.

But Ferdinand, who spent years as Anfield’s enemy no.1 during a career as a Manchester United player is not buying into the hype yet.

“I know everyone is hyping him, but I don’t think Dominik Szoboszlai has done (as well as people make out), he told subscribers on his Vibe with Five YouTube show.

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Szoboszlai has enjoyed a strong start to his Liverpool career

“He’s a good player but people are saying ‘oh, he’s the next [Steven] Gerrard!’ and I haven’t seen that yet.

“I see loads of their [fans’] comments. But one of my mates in my group always says it. But he is easy on the eye.”

Liverpool vs Fulham is live on talkSPORT on Wednesday 10 January at 8pm

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January 9, 2024
I met with Tottenham but joined Arsenal when Spurs paid for taxi to take me ther

Tottenham believed they were about to sign Emmanuel Petit in 1997, but Arsenal hatched a plan to pull off the mother of all transfer hijacks.

This was a period of great success for the Gunners – Dennis Bergkamp and David Platt were added to the squad that summer, while Arsene Wenger was appointed manager in 1996 and transformed them forever.

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Petit reunited with his Monaco boss Wenger at Arsenal, but very nearly joined SpursCredit: GETTY

So when it was put to France international Petit: Do you want to fight relegation or challenge for Premier League titles, it was a no-brainer.

Petit was in London, talking to Spurs chairman Alan Sugar about moving to the capital from Monaco. Arsenal heard about the meeting and got word to him not to sign anything until he had at least heard Wenger’s pitch about this new era that was about to unfold at Highbury.

That seemed fair enough considering Wenger was the man who brought him through at the French club, so Petit asked Tottenham bosses for time to think about the offer at his hotel.

Spurs even paid for the taxi to drive him there, but the cab was instead diverted to Wenger’s house where he was joined by vice-chairman David Dein and a £3.5m deal was sealed.

Speaking to Andy Goldstein on talkSPORT Drive, Petit recalled: “I had meetings on the same day with Tottenham and Arsenal. I met Tottenham in the morning, but when I came to England I didn’t know about the rivalry between the two clubs.

“When I left the Spurs stadium, they booked me a cab and the cab driver asked me for directions, so I gave him the Arsenal address and I didn’t realise that the cab was pre-paid by Spurs, so they knew where I was going!

“I told Spurs that I needed time to think about it but knew that I had to see Arsenal, as well as other clubs in Italy and Spain.

“I told everyone that I’d make my mind up and when I knew the answer I would give it, but after a couple of days I signed for Arsenal and it went into newspapers and all of a sudden the story came.

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Petit formed a devastating partnership in the middle of Arsenal’s midfield and won the 1998 league and cup doubleCredit: getty

“I realised the pressure of the rivalry then.”

Speaking about it in 2018, Petit said: “It’s part of the legend now. David Dein still loves that story – and [more than] 20 years later he’s still telling it!”

His transfer began Wenger’s revolution, with Gilles Grimandi and Nicolas Anelka also arriving at Highbury.

And Petit was a very busy man.

By the end of the pony-tailed one’s first season, he was a Premier League and FA Cup winner, his partnership with Patrick Vieira in midfield lauded, he won the World Cup and he even found time to help Sun Hill’s finest with an appearance on a Christmas episode of The Bill.

“I didn’t realise it was so popular at the time,” he laughed at his appearance on the popular TV show that ended in 2010 after 27 years where he played himself delivering a signed ball to an ill child in hospital.

But those long blond locks fans loved him for may never have been seen by British fans, as his teammates threatened to cut them off owing to an apparent rudeness.

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Petit cemented his place in France football history with his goal in the 1998 World Cup final that helped see off four-time winners BrazilCredit: AFP

“When the French lads came over, the atmosphere was a little different,” former teammate Ray Parlour once told talkSPORT.

“Us British guys had a little bit more fun.

“Dennis Bergkamp was another one, they were a little more bit serious and we tried to get a bit of fun out of them.

“They did change quickly and they did really enjoy the banter, but every now again, for example, Manu Petit sometimes would walk straight past you.

“You’d say, ‘morning, Manu’, and he’d walk straight past you.

“He did it to all the players. He did it to [captain] Tony Adams, he did it to [goalkeeper] David Seaman and that’s not acceptable.

“Whatever problems you have, you say good morning to somebody, don’t you? It’s very rude if you just walk past someone. It’s just having that respect for other people.

“So, one morning we nailed him against the wall and told him: ‘Make sure you say good morning to everybody because, if you don’t, we’ll cut your ponytail off!’

“We even had scissors.

“After that, he was good as gold!”

Petit left Arsenal in 2000 for Barcelona and returned to England and joined Chelsea in 2001, retiring at the club in 2004.

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January 9, 2024
Tottenham are top so far, Man United have worst signing but Arsenal own ‘captain of flops’

The Premier League is back after another break and this is where the action hots up.

There’s been plenty of drama so far with more to come, beginning with Liverpool vs Everton on talkSPORT, with a London derby to follow that is sure to alter the lay of the land again.

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As he highlights which teams he believes are the winners and losers this campaignCredit: Getty

We’re eight games in and there have been surprise packages, major let downs and brilliant signings. Here, talkSPORT host and former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor gives his verdict.

Winners

Ange Postecoglou led Tottenham to the top of the table before the international break, with their 1-0 win over Luton enough to keep them above Arsenal on goal difference.

It’s fair to say no one really knew how Spurs would fare under their new boss after a disappointing eighth place last term – and that includes Gabby.

When asked who the winners are so far, he said: “It’s got to be Spurs. I was saying on a talkSPORT show, last season we were laughing saying the best thing about Spurs was the Beyonce concerts at the stadium.

“That was me having banter with my co-host Jamie O’Hara, who loves Tottenham. That’s how bad it was at Spurs! Now there’s none of that banter, it’s just ‘Spurs are doing well’. 4-3-3, no more five at the back, James Maddison getting in on the turn, you’ve got [Heung-min] Son back to his best.

“Defensively, [Micky] van de Ven, [Destiny] Udogie, you see a goalkeeper not making mistakes like [Hugo] Lloris, it’s just a better vibe around Spurs now.

So, for me Spurs are definitely the winners so far this season.”

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It has all gone so right for Tottenham this seasonCredit: Getty

Losers

“I’d probably say Brentford.”

When prompted on whether Manchester United have had a more catastrophic start, he continued: “Yeah, United have been poor, but I watched how bad Brentford were against Everton.

“One win, they don’t look the same, they’ve got problems coming with Ivan Toney wanting to leave in January. [Yoane] Wissa and [Bryan] Mbeumo going to the African Cup of Nations, they’ll move out there for a month or six weeks.

“So they’ve got problems going forward. I think the star striker they signed, Kevin Schade, got an injury, so they’ve got problems coming. We say teams are too good to go down, but you never know.

“Brentford need to get their act together.”

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Brentford’s season was summed up by them letting their lead at Old Trafford slip in added timeCredit: Getty

Surprise

All three sides that got promoted from the Championship are close to the Premier League’s relegation zone – Luton, who are just outside in 17th, 18th place Burnley and bottom of the league Sheffield United.

Bournemouth are 19th, with them and the Blades yet to win a single league game so far this season.

Last season, the promoted three stayed up and Gabby has been shocked to see this year’s newbies and Bournemouth do as badly as they have.

“Maybe I’m surprised at how poor they actually are. Burnley are still poor. Yes, they got the win against Luton, but you can’t play that open football in the Premier League.

“It’s okay in the Championship, but you can’t come up and be naive. It’s going to come to that stage in the season where you carry on with the football and go down, or change it, play a bit more defensive some games and maybe stay up.

“I think I’ve been surprised at how poor the promoted teams have been.”

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Sheffield United have had a shocker so farCredit: Getty

Biggest let down

After a promising transfer window, Man United are tenth in the league and bottom of their Champions League group.

Off field drama between Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag, as well as Antony’s allegations of domestic abuse has, in Gabby’s view, summed up their disappointing start to the campaign.

“At the start of the season I was like ‘they’ve signed [Rasmus] Hojlund, you’ve got Casemiro in there, defensive signings, you’ve brought Mason Mount in’.

“You’ve got these new players in the team, but this season they’re playing like strangers. You watch Manchester United play and you think ‘[Marcus] Rashford doesn’t look interested’. They’re having problems with Sancho.

“Even Antony coming back, is he going to help the team as much as he should be? So they’ve got a lot of problems Manchester United.

“At the start of the season I’m sure Man United fans were thinking ‘you know what, let’s get closer to Man City and Arsenal, let’s stay in the top four and do well in the Champions League’. They could lose every game of the Champions League, it would not surprise me.”

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Man United have been unable to live up to expectationsCredit: GETTY

Best signing

“It’s between Maddison and [Liverpool’s Dominik] Szoboszlai. Maddison because he’s just added that different dimension to Spurs.

“You had [Giovani] Lo Celso hanging around, before you had [Bryan] Gil and it was a hard watch. Maybe that’s why the manager had to play five at the back.

“Now you’re watching them and Maddison’s getting on the ball. The assist against Luton in tight places, he can score goals, a great goal against Burnley.

“For the money as well, £40million, I think Leicester going down has done Spurs a favour. I just think the way Maddison is fitting in at Spurs has to be the signing of the summer.”

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Maddison has been a hit for Spurs, scoring twice and providing five assistsCredit: Getty

But when asked about how Spurs are coping with losing all-time top goal scorer Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, he continued: “I’ve got to eat my own words. I said Spurs could finish like eighth or ninth because they lost 30 Premier League goals last season.

“This season they’ve won by tight margins and spread the goals around the team.”

Worst signing

After coming in to replace long term goalkeeper David de Gea, Man United goalkeeper Andre Onana has made headlines this season – but not always for the right reasons.

That hasn’t gone unnoticed by Gabby, but he believes there is light at the end of the tunnel for the Red Devils star.

“Onana is up there [for worst signing]. “It’s because of how he’s started. Mason Mount is up there, he’s not done anything, has he?

“[Kai] Havertz. Havertz is the captain of the flop team so far. But I’m going to have to go Onana.

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Onana has let in 12 Premier League goals this season so farCredit: GETTY

“He’s been very poor. He’s been very laid back when he receives the ball for me, way too laid back like he’s playing with his friends.

“If you’re going to be that laid back and give away a few passes, at least be a top shot stopper.

“He’s got to save some of those shots that he’s not saving. You look at the game against Brentford, he’s got to save that, you look at the [Leroy] Sane one against Bayern Munich, got to save that.

“He will come good, but so far I’d say he’s the flop of the season.”

talkSPORT kicks off the return of Premier League football with Liverpool vs Everton at 12:30pm on 21 October followed by Newcastle vs Crystal Palace at 3pm on talkSPORT 2

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October 19, 2023
Fans have fun pointing out the ‘records’ Erik ten Hag has broken this season

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has achieved a number of unwanted ‘records’ this season.

The Premier League side are just five games in to their 2023/24 campaign, but for a team with title aspirations have won twice and lost three games.

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Ten Hag and his side haven’t had the start to the campaign that they’d have wantedCredit: Getty

But aside from two stars being unavailable due to off-field issues in Jadon Sancho and Antony and a growing list of injuries, including the recent addition of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Man United have also achieved a number of undesirable firsts already this campaign.

But that hasn’t stopped a number of rival fans from revelling in United’s misery on X, formerly known as Twitter. A post highlighting where Ten Hag and his side have slipped up this season has been widely shared.

First up, Man United had never lost at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before they suffered a 2-0 defeat there last month.

Of course, Spurs have only been at their new stadium for four years, but it’s still not something Ten Hag will be pleased to have on his CV considering they’d achieved two draws and two wins there previously.

Secondly, Man United also hadn’t lost their opening two away games since 1973/74 until this season – which saw them lose their opening three – with them suffering defeats on both trips to north London this term, losing to Arsenal and Spurs.

Man United also hadn’t conceded more than one goal in four consecutive league games since 1979, either. That was until Saturday’s defeat 3-1 to Brighton.

They’d also not trailed by two goals in the opening four minutes of a Premier League game at Old Trafford before Nottingham Forest visited last month in Man United’s eventual 3-2 win.

Last season saw Man United lose to Brighton at Old Trafford for the first time, too, and Brighton had never won successive games at Old Trafford until this weekend just gone.

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Man United’s impressive unbeaten home record also disappeared against Brighton, with the Seagulls being the last team to inflict a loss at Old Trafford last AugustCredit: GETTY

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Man United sit 13th in the league after the opening five gamesCredit: Getty

These are simply the highlights for rivals and it’s worth remembering these are early days for Man United, but they find themselves in a position they do not want to get used – being every fan’s punchline.

They haven’t won the title since 2013, but trophies have still been a regular occurrence but for a side once feared at home and abroad, this will not feel good to any supporter.

They endured a difficult start at the beginning of Ten Hag’s reign last term in what turned out to be a decent season, with them going on to win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League.

But the list of ‘accolades’ this season is definitely not what he envisioned in the summer.

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September 18, 2023
The best have played in the Premier League but five superstars never made it

The Premier League is often widely regarded as the best in club football, but some of the greatest players to play the game have never played there.

There are many reasons why the Premier League is regarded as the best, from its global exposure, quality of football and fans creating electric atmospheres.

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Messi wanted to reunite with Guardiola at Man CityCredit: Getty

Unlike many of the other top European leagues, it’s often far more competitive and open.

This also means it attracts some of the best players in world football, but not all of them.

Here, talkSPORT.com looks at some of those who have missed out and reasons why they never moved.

Lionel Messi

Messi always looked like he was going to be a one-club man at Barcelona, then their financial problems changed that.

They could no longer afford to keep him and he ended up going to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 in a tearful exit.

Messi was linked with a move to Man City at the time and that made a lot of sense, seeing as they were coached by his old manager Pep Guardiola.

The year before that, Messi even called Guardiola to say he wanted to join City as he tried desperately to get out of his Barca contract.

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Messi will likely see out his career in the MLSCredit: Getty

Chelsea also reportedly nearly pulled off an audacious swoop for him in 2014, when his transfer release clause was €250million.

However, that never materialised and sadly the Premier League never got to see one of the greatest players of its generation.

Andrea Pirlo

Pirlo is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders ever to play the game, but spent most of his career playing in Italy.

He won six Serie A titles playing for AC Milan and Juventus, while also winning the Champions League twice with Milan.

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Pirlo was twice targeted by Premier League clubs

The 2006 World Cup winner had the opportunity to join both Chelsea and Man City during his career, but they never came to fruition.

In 2009, Chelsea expressed an interest in signing him before deciding against the move because of his age.

Two years later, Man City were interested but Pirlo rejected them to join Juve.

The only other league he played in outside Italy was a brief spell in Major League Soccer with New York City FC.

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Pirlo is now coaching Sampdoria in Serie BCredit: Getty

Ronaldinho

The Brazil legend was one of the most entertaining footballers ever, but sadly he never graced the Premier League.

In 2003, Manchester United came within 48 hours of landing Ronaldinho from Paris Saint-Germain.

Then Barcleona came calling and United missed out on the superstar World Cup winner.

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Man United missed out on Ronaldinho to BarcelonaCredit: Corbis – Getty

The Brazilian once recalled: “It almost happened with United. It was a matter of 48 hours, but Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: ‘If I become Barca president, will you come?’ I said yes.

“It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the election there. And I had promised to him that I’d play for Barca.”

At €30million, huge money 20 years ago, Ronaldinho is still one of the greatest bargains in transfer history.

But just imagine what could have been at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Ronaldinho helped mentor Messi at Barcelona after failing to sign for Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty

Ronaldo

Ronaldo was one of the most devastating strikers of the last 30 years and would have been perfect for the Premier League.

He spent large spells of his career in Italy and Spain with Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Ronaldo amassed an incredible club record of 352 goals in just 518 games, plus 62 in 98 matches for Brazil.

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Ronaldo has had one of the most remarkable careers in footballCredit: Getty

After retiring, he spent plenty of time living, and studying, in London.

And Ronaldo actually encouraged young Brazilians to move to the Premier League.

“It’s definitely the right thing to do (Brazilians coming to the Premier League),” he said in 2014.

“Because of the nature of the football here, which is a lot of tackles, a lot of attacking and forward play, it’s definitely a good decision for young Brazilians to come to the Premier League.”

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Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo would have dazzled in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

Zinedine Zidane

Zidane twice nearly got a move to the Premier League… no, it wasn’t to Manchester United or Liverpool. It was Blackburn and Newcastle who missed out.

In 1995, Blackburn had beaten Manchester United to the Premier League title and were looking to build on that success.

Kenny Dalglish wanted to sign Zidane, who was impressing with Bordeaux at the time, but owner Jack Walker had other ideas.

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Zidane was playing for Bordeaux when he was offered to Newcastle and BlackburnCredit: Getty

“Why do you want to sign Zidane when we have Tim Sherwood?”, was what Walker reportedly said about the transfer.

A year later in 1996, Newcastle had Zizou within their grasp and could have signed him for just £1.2million.

Then boss Kevin Keegan was offered the chance to land the future World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner… but said no because their scout in France didn’t rate him.

What a mistake that turned out to be.

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September 7, 2023
Fernandes posts heartwarming message to Rashford as he continues Man United goal streak

Marcus Rashford’s host streak continued as his goal set Manchester United on their way to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Leeds.

United were struggling to break down an energetic Leeds side in Sunday’s Premier League clash until Rashford struck in the 80th minute, the forward nodding home Luke Shaw’s pinpoint cross from the left.

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Nobody can stop Rashford right now

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It set the Red Devils on their way to a huge win over Leeds

The goal is Rashford’s eighth in nine Premier League outings since the season resumed and it also saw him overtake Man United legend Eric Cantona for goals in the competition.

Cantona netted 70 times in the Premier League for both the Red Devils and Leeds, while Rashford now has 71 to his name.

And Bruno Fernandes is one man enjoying every minute of it.

Posting a picture of himself and Rashford celebrating on Instagram, he wrote: “You just can’t stop scoring and Iove it.”

Erik ten Hag’s men doubled their lead on 85 minutes when Alejdandro Garnacho fired in at Illan Meslier’s near post after receiving a neat through ball from Wout Weghorst.

The Elland Road clash had been overshadowed by some Leeds fans being heard chanting about the Munich air disaster, which claimed the lives of 23 people, including eight Man United players in 1958.

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Instagram – @brunofernandes8

Fernandes is delighted to be part of a team where Rashford is scoring so freely

Some Man United fans responded to the sick jibes with abhorrent chants about Istanbul in reference to two Leeds fans being stabbed to death by supporters of Turkish side Galatasaray before a UEFA Cup tie in 2000. Both clubs and the Premier League have condemned the abhorrent chanting.

The result saw Man United leapfrog Manchester City into second in the Premier League, although City reclaimed the position with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium later on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Leeds are just a point above the relegation zone having played a game more than 18th-placed Everton.

Managerless Leeds went toe-to-toe with Ten Hag’s side for the second time in five days after drawing 2-2 at Old Trafford on Wednesday and will feel aggrieved to have finished the game empty-handed.

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Leeds asked plenty of questions of Man United but leave Elland Road empty-handed

Under interim boss Michael Skubala, Leeds had their rivals on the backfoot for prolonged spells in the second half, but failed to convert a host of chances and United made them pay to climb to within five points of Arsenal.

It is understood former Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder was at Elland Road as Leeds’ search for a new manager heads into a second week and the Dutchman will have been impressed.

Crysencio Summerville fired an early chance for Leeds over the crossbar, while Fernandes dragged the visitors’ first effort on goal wide in the 20th minute.

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It was a passionate clash at Elland Road with Tyler Adams left bloodied by Tyrell Malacia

Fernandes saw another weak effort comfortably saved by Illan Meslier towards the end of a first half, which was high on emotion but low on the quality that had been displayed by both sides in midweek.

In contrast to a free-flowing first half at Old Trafford, the first 45 minutes was a stop-start affair, littered with fouls.

Both sides threatened to break the deadlock just before half-time. David de Gea, making his 400th United appearance, crowded out Summerville at the near post and Fernandes was denied by Meslier’s fine save after Max Wober’s clearance had been charged down.

Leeds burst out of the blocks after the restart. De Gea’s low save diverted the lively Summerville’s effort, Weston McKennie fired off target and Jack Harrison’s shot was deflected for a corner.

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Not for the first time, Man United needed goalkeeper De Gea to get them out of trouble

The visitors responded through Diogo Dalot’s 20-yard strike, which thundered against the crossbar, while De Gea held Willy Gnonto’s effort from outside the box.

Leeds continued to stretch the visitors. Luke Ayling’s overhead kick following a corner flew straight at De Gea, who then saved with his legs to keep out Summerville’s angled shot.

But after spells of concerted pressure the home side fell behind with 10 minutes to go as Luke Shaw’s brilliant cross from the left was headed home by Rashford for his 13th goal in 15 appearances since the World Cup.

Leeds were still reeling from their late setback when Wout Weghorst set up Garnacho, a second-half replacement for Jadon Sancho, on the left edge of the area and the teenager buried a low finish beyond Meslier.

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Man United are five points off leaders Arsenal, although they have played two matches more

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This was probably an affectionate kick from Fernandes after Garnacho scored!

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February 13, 2023