The Premier League’s Greatest Strikers – Part Two
Last month, we dropped part one of our most significant Premier League Stickers lists; your feedback was appreciated. Some are positive, some are negative, but that’s to be expected when discussing the footy. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone has a slight Bias. Anyway, let’s crack on with part 2 of our list.
Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Nicolaas Maria Bergkamp started out as a wide midfielder; Bergkamp transitioned to the central striker position and later to the second striker role, which he maintained throughout his playing career. Widely acknowledged as one of the outstanding players of his generation, he is also recognized as one of the greatest forwards in Premier League history and counted among the all-time greats for Arsenal.
Upon joining Arsenal in 1995, Bergkamp experienced a career resurgence, contributing to the club’s success with three Premier League titles (including one unbeaten season), four FA Cup trophies, and reaching the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final.
In 2017, his goal against Newcastle United in 2002 was voted the best Premier League goal in the competition’s 25-year history. The goal involved a skilful flick around Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas before calmly slotting the ball into the net.
Dimitar Berbatov
Following an impactful five-and-a-half years with Leverkusen, Berbatov ventured into English football with Tottenham Hotspur, where he won the League Cup, scoring a penalty in the final against Chelsea. In July 2006, where he spent two seasons before making a high-profile move to Manchester United.
During his four-season tenure with United, Berbatov secured two Premier League titles in 2008–09 and 2010–11, along with the Premier League Golden Boot in 2010–11. He joined Fulham in August 2012. Before leaving the premier league, this was his last club to embark on other football ventures.
Gianfranco Zola
In November 1996, Zola joined Chelsea for £4.5 million; Zola marked his debut in a 1–1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. In February 1997, after a dazzling display against Manchester United, Zola received praise from United manager Alex Ferguson, who referred to him as a “clever little so-and-so.”
Zola was pivotal in Chelsea’s resurgence during the 1996–97. At the season’s end, he earned the FWA Player of the Year, a unique achievement as the only player to receive the accolade without completing an entire English league season and the first Chelsea player to claim this honour.
As Chelsea underwent changes in the 2001–02 season, Zola’s starting opportunities decreased. Despite scoring only three goals, he drew attention for a remarkable backheeled effort in an FA Cup tie against Norwich City, earning praise from manager Claudio Ranieri for its “fantasy, magic.”
Zola’s final season with Chelsea (2002–03) saw a resurgence, with him scoring 16 goals, his highest seasonal tally for the club. Voted the club’s player of the year, he played his last competitive match on the season’s final day, showcasing his skill in a 20-minute cameo against Liverpool. Zola concluded his Chelsea career with 312 games and 80 goals, earning recognition as the best-ever Chelsea player by the fans.
