In brief
Over the years, the Premier League has seen some elite forwards.
Jamie Carragher was asked to list the top ten attackers in the history of the division.
Despite having a fantastic career, Wayne Rooney was not included in the top five.
Over the years, the Premier League has seen a number of outstanding attackers. There are so many to pick from, ranging from talented goal scorers to creative geniuses, that if you tried, you would unavoidably end up leaving out someone who some would contend should be on the list. or possibly placing someone too highly or too low in the eyes of others.
Jamie Carragher, a former defender for Liverpool, is one expert who will be called into question in this discussion. For Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football coverage of Bournemouth’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United in 2024, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry joined him in the studio. The two talked about the best attackers of the past three decades of English football, with Carragher offering his own ranking of the top ten, which is sure to cause controversy.
10Gareth Bale
Premier League clubs: Tottenham
Carragher chose to start with the soaring Welsh wizard, Gareth Bale, in the top 10. In the later years of his initial stay at White Hart Lane, Bale advanced up the pitch despite beginning as a full-back, and his incredible speed made him one of the world’s most dangerous players.
During his time in London, the two-time PFA Players’ Player of the Year made sure Tottenham became one of the most exciting teams, although he was never able to win a title. It’s unfortunate that he was never given the credit he deserved in Spain, despite the fact that he only improved after joining Real Madrid and winning everything imaginable, including one of the greatest Champions League final goals ever.
The Premier League career of Gareth Bale
Games
166
Objectives
53
Helps
22
Honours
Player of the Year for PFA Players (x2)
9Dennis Bergkamp
Premier League clubs: Arsenal
Henry said that he would have had Dennis Bergkamp at number nine on Carragher’s list because of their close relationship on the pitch and for good reason. He was a superb creative with exceptional vision, intelligence, and a first-rate touch.
With 120 goals and 112 assists over his 11 years with the Gunners, he played a key role in Arsenal’s success under Arsene Wenger. Bergkamp was a member of the most lethal strike team England has ever seen, and this resulted in three Premier League titles.
The Premier League career of Dennis Bergkamp
Games
315
Objectives
87
Helps
94
Honours
Player of the Season, Arsenal, Premier League (x3)
8Eden Hazard
Premier League clubs: Chelsea
Although there is some debate regarding Eden Hazard’s eligibility as a forward, his historical significance is undeniable. Before his tragic transfer to Real Madrid, the Belgian maestro was the most impressive player at Stamford Bridge, helping Chelsea win their past two Premier League titles.
During that time, Hazard’s achievements led Carragher to declare him “the best Premier League player for a two or three year period.” Even though he didn’t have as many goals as his colleagues, his easy style of play meant he didn’t need to score as often, which usually let his more goal-hungry teammates take centre stage.
The Premier League career of Eden Hazard
Games
245
Objectives
85
Helps
54
Honours
Player of the Season, Playmaker Award, Premier League (x2)
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