5 Most Underrated Premier League Strikers of All-Time (Part 2)
G'day tribe. Yesterday I posted the first part of the series which you can check out here. I went through Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Shola Ameobi and Emile Heskey. Today here are the two most underrated strikers of all-time.
2. James Beattie
Despite injuries and issues with form earlier in his career, Jamie Beattie became one of the most underrated players in Premier League history. Beattie played for the lesser stature clubs like Blackburn, Southampton, Everton, Stoke and Blackpool during his time in the top flight but he would have been good enough to play at one of the bigger clubs.
That free kick, that trademark penalty 👀 James Beattie, goal poacher 👌 pic.twitter.com/AQNbyBFdiJ
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) February 27, 2020
Originally posted on Twitter by @SheffieldUnited
Beattie's form at times was erratic. He went through extended periods where he couldn't find the back of the net, then went on scoring runs that put him up among one of the best strikers in the league.
He finished third in the Golden Boot race in 2002-03 behind only Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy and finished his Premier League career with a very respectable 91 goals and 37 assists in 331 games. Beattie played an instrumental role in keeping the teams he played for relevant.
53.5% - James Beattie scored 53.5% of Southampton’s Premier League goals in 2002-03 (23/43), the highest such ratio by any player in a season in Premier League history. Inspiration. #OptaPLSeasons pic.twitter.com/qaLK7PhvF5
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 6, 2020
Originally posted on Twitter by @OptaJoe
1. Oliver Giroud
Olivier Giroud is one of the most underrated Premier League players in history. He was never considered an elite finisher nor was he a glamorous player. Giroud lacked speed and presented more like a battering ram than anything. Although he was always stuck in gear one and he lacked explosiveness, he was capable of his moments of sheer brilliance.
Olivier Giroud's scorpion kick that won the Puskas award for best goal in 2017 🦂🇫🇷pic.twitter.com/FI0hmzzE1q
— Birdiefootball (@birdiefootball) October 5, 2021
Originally posted on Twitter by @birdiefootball
Giroud had a surprisingly exquisite touch and could flick the ball on well, knocking down opportunities for those around him. But Arsenal fans weren't accustomed to his target man style of play with players like Anelka, Henry, Bergkamp and Wright tearing it up before him. Giroud's due much more credit than what he gets, his physical strength, heading accuracy and his powerful shot leading to 90 goals in 255 Premier League games.
If you make a compilation of Giroud's best goals, you can convince anyone that he's one of the greatest player ever to play the game.https://t.co/7cDE1G2eak pic.twitter.com/nY4PrDB8OY
— T C (@Talha1779) May 1, 2022
Originally posted on Twitter by @Talha1779
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I agree with Giroud. I love his classy style and how he always delivered when called upon. A lot of people don't see the hard work he does and even the spectacular goals he scores. If it was Ronaldo or Messi, they would talk about it for years.
Very true, if it was CR7 or Messi it would be talked about as the best goal in the history of mankind, GOAT GOAL etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.
Yes. I love how Giroud plays.
I remember Girouds scorpion kick! I think you also posted it once. This goal was an art piece.
Great selection of players!
I don't know James but I love the style he plays the PK 😂
He picks a spot and then finishes it off amazingly.
Olivier Giroud is definitely a world class striker.
The nigga is too too good
That scorpion kick I'll never forget!
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Glad to see James Beattie recognised. Always a favourite with the fans at Southampton (my team), and as you state very underated. Looked to be about to join the ranks of the best of England players when selected in 2003 for international duty, only to then play in just 5 games.
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I was livid when we(Arsenal) sold him to Chelsea. Albeit he might be slow he sure Links up play well .