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20 Best Strikers in Premier League History Ranked

Erling Haaland is the current top striker in the Premier League, with the Man City superstar scoring for fun since moving to England.

The Norway international, should he remain in Manchester, could go on to break all kinds of records, but is he the best centre-forward the Premier League has seen since 1992? He’s got some catching up to do…

Ranking factors Appearances Goals scored Teams played for What others have said about them 20 best strikers in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Les Ferdinand QPR, Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham, Leicester, Bolton

One of the top strikers around when the Premier League was formed in 1992 was Les Ferdinand. A powerful target man who loved a duel in the air, he scored 20 goals in the first ever Premier League campaign for QPR and featured for five more clubs in the top flight.

Best known for his impressive short stint at Newcastle and six-year period with Tottenham, Ferdinand ended with an impressive 149 goals.

Appearances

349

Goals

149

Assists

34

19 Jamie Vardy Leicester

Considering Jamie Vardy has only played for Leicester City in the Premier League, his tally of 144 goals in just under 350 appearances is hugely impressive.

The rapid striker scored in 11 consecutive top-flight games back in 2015/16, helping the Foxes win the title under Claudio Ranieri in what is arguably the greatest underdog story in sporting history.

Appearances

340

Goals

144

Assists

47

Golden Boot

1

Titles

1

18 Teddy Sheringham Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Man Utd, Portsmouth, West Ham,

At the peak of his powers at the end of the 1990s was Teddy Sheringham, who is known best for his time at Tottenham and Man Utd.

Arguably a forward who went under the radar at the time, Sheringham was clinical in front of goal and appeared to get better with age, with Sir Alex Ferguson calling the striker “remarkable” during his time at Old Trafford.

Appearances

418

Goals

146

Assists

76

Golden Boot

1

Titles

3

17 Jermain Defoe West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Bournemouth

Agile, quick and a clinical finisher were some of Jermain Defoe’s main attributes as a striker, with the Englishman enjoying a successful partnership with towering forward Peter Crouch during his career.

Defoe certainly knew where the back of the net was and scored goals in 19 different Premier League campaigns, with a highlight netting five against Wigan in 2009.

Appearances

496

Goals

162

Assists

33

16 Ian Wright Arsenal, West Ham

Despite starting his Premier League career late at the age of 29, Ian Wright made a big impact for Arsenal, hitting double figures in the first six top-flight campaigns.

Wright was even the Gunners’ all-time top scorer for a period of time, and despite being known for his punditry work today, his talents as a striker in the 1990s cannot be forgotten.

Appearances

213

Goals

113

Assists

22

15 Dennis Bergkamp Arsenal

Another Arsenal star in attack in the 1990s and 2000s was Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutch forward was versatile, intelligent and technically brilliant, enjoying a brilliant partnership with Thierry Henry at Highbury under Arsene Wenger.

Bergkamp may not have scored as many goals as others, but he was called a “dream” by Henry, “the best” Wright has played with and the definition of a “footballer” by Johan Cruyff and loved to create. (talkSPORT)

Appearances

315

Goals

87

Assists

94

Titles

3

14 Robbie Fowler Liverpool, Leeds, Man City, Blackburn

Robbie Fowler scored an impressive 162 goals during his Premier League career, and was best known for his time at Liverpool, with those at Anfield naming him ‘God’.

His goal record in the 1990s at Anfield was every two games, and despite netting 53 times in the 1993/94 and 1994/95 seasons, never actually won a Golden Boot. In front of goal, Fowler was clinical, with Andy Cole calling the Englishman the “best finisher ever”.

Appearances

379

Goals

163

Assists

39

13 Ruud van Nistelrooy Man Utd

Sir Alex Ferguson called Ruud van Nistelrooy “the most prolific” striker he had at Man Utd, and his game to goal ratio certainly backs that up.

The Dutch striker arrived at Old Trafford having cored for fun in his native country, and he didn’t take long to adjust to life in the Premier League, scoring 23 league goals in his first campaign. It’s a shame Van Nistelrooy’s time in England only lasted five years, but he certainly won’t be forgotten.

Appearances

150

Goals

95

Assists

14

Golden Boot

1

Titles

1

12 Robin van Persie Arsenal, Man Utd

Another Dutch icon who spent longer in the Premier League was Robin van Persie, who made the controversial move from Arsenal to Man Utd in 2012.

It was a decision that worked out for Van Persie, who won the Premier League title with the Red Devils after missing out with Arsenal, and the forward had one of the best left foots the league has ever seen.

Known for scoring some outrageous goals, Van Persie’s effort against Aston Villa to help seal the title for Man Utd in 2013 was called “goal of the century” by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Appearances

280

Goals

144

Assists

53

Golden Boot

2

Titles

1

11 Luis Suarez Liverpool

Luis Suarez’s stay in England was short but sweet, with the Uruguayan becoming a Liverpool icon in such a brief period of time.

Capable of scoring out of nothing and winning games on his own, Suarez was at Anfield for just three-and-a-half seasons, with his 2013/14 campaign one of the greatest individual seasons in Premier League history.

He netted 31 goals in 33 games that year and almost took the Reds to a title before Barcelona came in and signed Suarez for big money.

Appearances

110

Goals

69

Assists

23

Golden Boot

1

Levy set for big decision as Tottenham look at hiring "master" £8m manager

Tottenham Hotspur appear set for a crucial call following the conclusion of this regrettable campaign, namely who they’ll decide on to replace under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou likely to leave Spurs regardless of Europa League

On Tuesday, journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph reported via his sources that Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season – regardless of what happens in the Europa League.

Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

The Lilywhites have suffered 18 top flight defeats this season, and they’re just one game away from equalling their record number of Premier League losses in a single season.

It’s been a dismal 2024/25 on the English front, with Spurs also out of every domestic cup. Postecoglou could yet save Tottenham’s season by clinching the Europa League and winning the club’s first piece of major silverware since the League Cup in 2008, which would also gift the north Londoners a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

European glory still may not be enough to save Postecoglou, though, with Law claiming chairman Daniel Levy and the 59-year-old could still part ways, even if success does come in the Europa.

This follows on from a similar report courtesy of John Cross in The Mirror, so Postecoglou’s potential N17 exit is gaining more traction amid rumours of Spurs eyeing the likes of Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

Fulham managerMarcoSilvabefore the match

Both tacticians have impressed at their respective clubs this term, with Fulham and Bournemouth still outside contenders to qualify for Europe despite operating on shoe-string budgets compared to their more elite rivals.

Bournemouth are attempting to agree a new deal with Iraola, though, while Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has admitted the club would love to keep Silva at Craven Cottage.

That being said, Iraola and Silva’s contracts both contain release clauses, with the latter’s coming in at around £8 million.

Fulham managerMarcoSilva

Previous reports have suggested that Silva has emerged as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job (talkSPORT), with Iraola more inclined to remain at Bournemouth, so the Portuguese’s potential appointment could be one to watch.

Tottenham set for "big decision" with Marco Silva considered

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared his own update on Spurs’ pursuit of the former Everton and Hull City boss.

He reports that Tottenham are indeed looking at hiring Silva, and Levy is set for a “big decision” over the club’s next potential manager.

“Tottenham have got a big decision to make during the summer,” said Jacobs.

“We know they like Andoni Iraola, but Bournemouth want to tie him down to a new deal. Marco Silva, as well, is on the radar at Spurs, but Postecoglou is just alleviating a bit of the pressure and it will be interesting now.”

Silva’s former striker at Hull, Evandro, recently heaped praise on the 47-year-old as a “master” tactician, with his statement making an interesting read for Spurs supporters.

“He is a master,” said the player to Premier League Brasil.

“I like to put Marco Silva on the same level as Sampaoli, because he has a management model that I also look up to. Marco Silva has an excellent way of managing the group and his greatest characteristic is being rational and not emotional.

“I believe that in this role as a coach, if you let emotions take over, things get lost easily, because in football you have to deal with fans and the press.”

Everton now racing Inter Milan to sign "devastating" £20m Serie A attacker

Everton are close to the beginning of their new era at Bramley Moore Dock and could now look to beat one of Europe’s elite to the signing of a talented forward, per reports.

Everton set to kickstart an exciting summer under David Moyes

Goodison Park will play host to just three more fixtures before David Moyes begins to plan for the future on Merseyside, and there is plenty of anticipation over potential arrivals.

In an unexpected turn of events, Everton could make Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah one of their first summer signings as he nears the exit door at Anfield. Newcastle United, Brentford, Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund are also in pursuit of the Three Lions international.

Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah.

Finally, the Toffees appear to be in a position of stability on and off the pitch following years of close shaves with relegation. With their Premier League status all but guaranteed, there is every reason to look forward with optimism on the blue half of Merseyside.

Reports suggest Everton could land Evan Ferguson for £45 million from Brighton & Hove Albion, which could offer a clue regarding Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s potential replacement in attack.

Moyes also has to deal with a rising tide of expiring contracts and loan deals, so there is every reason to expect mass personnel changes during the off-season.

Everton’s state of play ahead of the summer – action set to be taken

Players out of contract this summer

8 players out of contract (most notably Calvert-Lewin and captain Seamus Coleman).

Expiring loan deals

5 players set to see loan deals expire.

PSR regulations

Everton could also have to work creatively to avoid PSR conflict, like most clubs.

Addressing squad depth

Strength in numbers will be needed to avoid another bottom-half finish.

Now, another talented forward has cropped up on the Toffees’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, per recent developments.

Everton position themselves to sign Albert Gudmundsson

According to TEAMtalk, Everton want to sign Fiorentina loanee Albert Gudmundsson this summer should circumstances pan out in their favour.

The Serie A outfit have an option to buy the Iceland international from parent club Genoa for a £17 million fee, inclusive of add-ons. Should they pass up the opportunity, Everton may be in with a chance of landing his services at around the £20 million mark.

Everton battling Real Madrid to sign £15m ace who's outscored Calvert-Lewin

His versatility could be a big asset for David Moyes.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 14, 2025

Inter Milan are also seriously contemplating a swoop for the 27-year-old, who has registered eight goals and two assists in 27 appearances this term, playing mostly as a second striker or winger.

Labelled a “devastating player and also an exemplary professional” by Kevin Strootman, the man in question has also shown his ingenuity, creating ten chances and completing 12 dribbles on league duty.

Competition for his signature will likely be fierce this summer. Everton will need to construct a proposal that exceeds the appeal of playing for a side that may be Serie A and Champions League holders once the window opens.

Nevertheless, a new dawn on Merseyside may be the perfect launchpad for Moyes to make a statement in the market as the Toffees build for the future.

Amorim must finally axe Garnacho and unleash "phenomenal" Man Utd talent

Manchester United will be hoping to claim a first Premier League double over noisy neighbours Manchester City since 2020 at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Ruben Amorim’s side claimed a 2-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad back in December, with Amad Diallo’s stoppage-time strike claiming all three points.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing for the Red Devils since the Derby Day triumph, losing eight times across all competitions – with the Europa League their only chance of claiming a trophy this season.

A win this afternoon could put a dent in City’s Champions League qualification ambitions, whilst also giving the fanbase a reason to celebrate in what has been a year to forget.

If they are to achieve such a feat, it’s vital that the manager makes a huge call and drops one player from the starting eleven ahead of the big clash in the North West.

Why Garnacho needs to be dropped against City

Attacker Alejandro Garnacho has massively struggled to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system since the 40-year-old’s appointment back in early November.

The Argentine likes to operate off the left-hand side and cut onto his favoured foot, but has been unable to do so with the switch which has resulted in him operating more centrally.

His showing on Tuesday night against Nottingham Forest was one to forget, registering six efforts on goal, whilst being unable to get any of them on target – undoubtedly contributing to the defeat.

The 20-year-old also only completed 33% of his attempted dribbles, whilst completing none of the seven crosses he delivered into the box, showcasing his lack of attacking threat at the City Ground.

Given his performance, the manager needs to drop him from his starting eleven against their local rivals and subsequently giving the opportunity for one other star to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

The player who Amorim must start against City

The lack of attacking threat at United has been evident for some months now, with the Red Devils only scoring 37 times in 30 matches – with only five sides scoring fewer.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes remains the club’s top scorer with eight league goals in 2024/25, highlighting the issues Amorim has had to face in his first few months in charge.

However, he could combat some issues by handing a rare start to midfielder Mason Mount, who made his first appearance since December in the defeat in midweek.

The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the last Manchester derby but could be handed just his third start since the manager took the reins five months ago.

He’s ultimately failed to deliver since his £60m move to Old Trafford back in 2023, with injuries massively plaguing his progress and preventing him from being a regular starter.

However, he is a natural number ten, having the skillset to feature in Amorim’s system behind the striker, making him a better option than Garnacho in such a role.

Mount, who’s previously been labelled “phenomenal” by creator Alex Goldberg, has previously demonstrated glimpses of his quality – most notably in the manager’s second game in charge against Bodo Glimt – unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after hitting the woodwork.

Games played

9

Minutes played

259

Pass accuracy

82%

Chances created

1.4

Shots taken

1.4

Fouls won

1.5

Duels won

4.2

Despite his limited minutes this campaign, the former Chelsea star has produced numerous impressive figures, deserving of an opportunity to adhere himself to the supporters in a huge fixture.

Unsurprisingly, questions have been asked about his long-term future given his injury record, but he needs a consistent run to showcase his talents – with the perfect opportunity coming this afternoon.

It will be a huge boost should the side complete a double over their local rivals, with Mount potentially having a key role to play should he start at Old Trafford.

It's not Garnacho: Man Utd may have just found their new Jesse Lingard

Man Utd appear to have one high profile star now emulating Jesse Lingard

1 ByRobbie Walls Apr 4, 2025

Arsenal: Berta tells Arteta to sign "powerful" forward likened to Aguero

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has recommended a new forward to manager Mikel Arteta, with the Italian already exerting his influence ahead of what will be a crucial summer transfer window for the north Londoners.

Andrea Berta sends message after Arsenal appointment

The 53-year-old has been officially confirmed as Edu Gaspar’s replacement after weeks of rumours, and Berta has expressed his delight over joining the Premier League heavyweights after 12 successful years at Atlético Madrid.

Arteta dealt injury blow with Arsenal "difference maker" out for "weeks"

It is a significant loss for the Spaniard.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

“I am thrilled to be joining Arsenal in what is a hugely exciting period for the club,” said Berta on his appointment at Arsenal.

“I have watched with great interest the way Arsenal has evolved in recent years and I have admired the hard work that has gone into re-establishing the club as a major force in European football with a passionate following around the world.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

“The club has great values and a rich history, and I am looking forward to playing my part in shaping a successful future with a great team. I cannot wait to get started in my new role.”

Arteta has already confirmed that Arsenal are set for a “big” summer window after Berta’s arrival, following previous reports that £300 million could be spent on seven new signings, including a goalkeeper, left-back, defensive midfielder, left-winger, striker and alternative to Bukayo Saka (GiveMeSport).

Bringing in a new centre-forward is an especially key aim for the club, following a campaign which has arguably been hampered by their lack of a ruthless goal-scoring poacher.

Kai Havertz chipped in with 15 goals from 34 total appearances this term, before his season-ending hamstring injury, while Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a serious purple patch prior to his ACL tear.

Both men are ruled out of action for the foreseeable future, with midfielder Mikel Merino deployed in an emergency striker role by Arteta. Their need for a world-class number nine is more prevalent than ever before, and reliable media sources indicate they’re expected to bring one in this summer.

Fabrizio Romano anticipates Arsenal will make an “important” proposal to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko also repeatedly linked.

Andrea Berta tells Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid sensation Adrian Nino

As per journalist Steve Kay, speaking on KS1TV, Berta has now recommended Atletico striker Adrian Nino to Arsenal and Arteta.

The Spain Under-19 international is seen as a player with big potential, drawing comparisons to the likes of City legend Aguero and Fernando Torres, and is currently into double figures with Atletico’s B team.

Simeone handed Nino his first-team debut against CD Leganes in January, but he already carries quite a formidable reputation.

“He’s one of these players I’ve been told Arsenal are watching,” said Kay.

“He plays for Atletico B. He’s in the mould of, people have mentioned, Fernando Torres, Griezmann, Aguero. I spoke to a guy, I actually had to speak to him in Spanish.

“Yeah, he’s highly-rated, Arsenal are interested in him and are keeping an eye on him. Berta brought him in, and he was integral to bringing him to the club. He’s in the Torres mould. Powerful, quick thinking, silky skills clever. Watch him because we have Berta coming in.

“This is one I’ve been told has been recommended to Mikel Arteta.”

Chelsea "willing to submit" £33m bid for Barcelona star to rival key starter

Chelsea chiefs are now prepared to make an offer to sign one Barcelona star this summer, who’d come in to provide direct competition or partner a key starter in Enzo Maresca’s starting eleven.

Chelsea preparing for London derby against Tottenham

On the field, Maresca’s side are preparing for a crunch London derby clash against Tottenham in the Premier League, with Chelsea firmly in the chase for Champions League qualification.

Maresca eyeing 28-year-old as he asks Chelsea to replace £110k-per-week duo

The Italian has made his feelings clear to Stamford Bridge chiefs.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

The Blues are set to be involved in an extremely tight race from now until the end of this campaign, with just five points separating fourth and tenth place in the division.

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Every single point matters in the race for a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition, and Maresca is keen to see his side play a fast-paced brand of football against Tottenham, no matter who is fit and available.

“We want to be direct and quick when they press higher, but we cannot be direct and quick when they sit back,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s plan against Tottenham.

“Probably the last game at home, if you review Leicester, West Ham, Wolves, Southampton, if you have a reminder of that game, there are all games where 11 players were behind the ball, almost at the edge of the box.

“It’s impossible to attack quick. Now, against a team that press higher, you can attack more quick for sure. But it’s easier when you have players who are running behind, maybe the players you’ve had before in that period, they don’t really like running behind, they like balls to feet.

“For skills, for character, for sure when you have players that love to run behind more, it’s more easy.”

Unfortunately for Maresca, midfielder Romeo Lavia is a doubt for their game against Spurs, which has been the story for much of his time at Chelsea.

Reports suggest that Chelsea are keen to sign a new senior midfielder this summer, with Lavia consistently on the treatment table and Enzo Fernández attracting interest from Real Madrid.

Chelsea prepared to make £33m bid for Marc Casado

According to reports from Spain, Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is a target for BlueCo, with the Spaniard apparently falling down Hansi Flick’s pecking order at the Camp Nou.

It is believed Chelsea are “willing to submit” up to £33m for Casado, but they’re not alone, as Arsenal have also adopted the same transfer stance over a player who they view as a long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.

FC Barcelona's MarcCasadocelebrates scoring their second goal with teammates

Chelsea, meanwhile, see the 21-year-old as an ideal competitor or partner for Moises Caicedo in midfield, which could signal their plans not to reply on the consistently-injured Lavia.

“He’s an animal,” said Spain international teammate Bryan Zaragoza, after Casado made his first senior start for the national team against Switzerland last November.

“I don’t even know what to say about how he played. He’s barbaric.”

Jesus upgrade: Nottingham Forest in the race to sign £13m “freight truck”

Nottingham Forest’s revival since Sean Dyche’s arrival at the club has been nothing short of sensational, with the 54-year-old having an immediate impact at the City Ground.

He’s led the Reds to four wins out of a possible five in the Premier League, taking the side out of the relegation zone and now looking upwards rather than over their shoulder.

Dyche has allowed numerous players to recapture their best form in the East Midlands, but none more so than Morgan Gibbs-White, as seen by his form in November.

The Englishman scored three times in his four appearances last month, resulting in the 25-year-old being nominated for the division’s Player of the Month award.

He could be joined by multiple other attacking options after the January window, with owner Evangelos Marinakis once again preparing to invest in the first-team squad.

Forest’s hunt for added reinforcements in the January window

Over the last couple of days, Forest have been just one English side touted with a potential move to land Lyon star Tyler Morton in the upcoming transfer window.

It’s been reported that Dyche’s side could see the 23-year-old as a possible replacement for Elliot Anderson should the England international leave in the winter market.

However, it’s also been reported that Marinakis is unwilling to sanction a January exit for their star player, with a £100m valuation already being slapped on his head.

Morton isn’t the only player on their shortlist at present, though, with Parma striker Mateo Pellegrino another option currently being considered by the hierarchy.

According to Sport Witness, the Reds are just one of multiple Premier League sides considering a move for the 24-year-old forward, who’s already netted seven goals this season.

The report also states West Ham and Spurs have also tracked his progress, with an unnamed English outfit already making a £13m bid for his signature in the summer.

Why Forest’s latest target would be an upgrade on Jesus

During the recent spending in the summer, Forest completed a deal for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, after the Brazilian impressed at the Club World Cup during the summer.

Such a move generated huge excitement among the fanbase, with the 24-year-old already making an immediate impact in England after his transfer during the off-season.

He’s already found the net on six separate occasions to date, with three of his efforts coming in the Europa League during the club’s first European campaign in 30 years.

Jesus finally netted his first Premier League goal of the season against Wolves on Wednesday night, with his effort hopefully the first of many during the 2025/26 campaign.

However, he could find himself further down the pecking order after January, especially if the hierarchy complete a deal for Pellegrino during the upcoming window.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Argentine has outperformed him in key areas, showcasing why he would be an upgrade in the Brazilian.

Pellegrino, who’s been labelled a “freight-truck” by Serie A commentator Jose Rodriguez, has registered more league goals in 2025/26 to date, whilst also achieving a better goal per shot on target rate.

Games played

13

13

Goals & assists

4

1

Shot on target accuracy

38%

25%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.1

Passes into final third

1.1

0.6

Take-on success

64%

27%

Fouls drawn

2.3

1.4

Aerials won

4.6

3.9

Aerial success rate

55%

41%

Such numbers showcase his incredible ability when in front of goal, whether that be in the air or on the ground, with the Argentine possessing serious quality in the box.

He could be the perfect Dyche centre-forward, as seen by his tally of 4.6 aerials won at a success rate of 53%, potentially offering the focal point, an area in which Jesus has struggled.

The Parma talisman has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third, arguably being a better all-round option than the Brazilian.

It’s unclear if the player himself would be open to a winter switch to the Premier League, but it’s clear Pellegrino would be a perfect fit for the current system at the City Ground.

He and Jesus are two players who could certainly share the responsibility at the top end of the pitch, with the former of the pair the best option to lead the club into the unknown.

The new Milenkovic: Edu chasing move to sign "sensational" CB for Forest

Nottingham Forest look set to target a top European talent in the January transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

Like Palmer: Chelsea "machine" is going to be one of the world's best

It’s been a confusing month or so for Chelsea fans.

One week, the Blues are beating Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur, and then the next, they’re losing to Sunderland or dropping points against Qarabağ.

However, while Enzo Maresca’s side are far from consistent at the moment, it is full of sensational talent.

In fact, there is at least one player who feels destined to become one of the best in the world, alongside Cole Palmer.

Chelsea's world-class stars

While it doesn’t feel like it at the moment, Chelsea are blessed with several players who could become some of the very best in the world in their position, if they aren’t already there.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, while Moises Caicedo had a slow start to life in West London, he is now one of, if not the best six, in the Premier League.

The Ecuadorian is a monster when it comes to winning the ball back, has an underrated range of passing and can score his fair share of bangers.

Another star who is arguably the best in his position in the league is Reece James.

The Cobham gem is no longer suffering from injury after injury and, as a result, has been able to show the full extent of his exceptional ability on a consistent basis.

For example, in addition to being rock solid at the back, he is a genuine attacking threat due to both his impressive passing range and ball-striking ability.

Finally, while he’s out injured at the moment, Palmer is without doubt on his way to becoming one of the best players in the world.

He is the one who makes the Blues’ attack click, and in just 101 appearances for the club has already racked up a tally of 45 goals and 29 assists.

With all that said, there is another young Chelsea star who looks like he could be following in Palmer’s footsteps.

The Chelsea star on track to be one of the best in the world

While there are several exciting youngsters at Chelsea, like Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, and even Alejandro Garnacho, the one who seems destined for the very top is, of course, Estevao.

The highly promising Brazilian gem was signed by Chelsea last year, but due to regulations surrounding players under 18, he was unable to join the club until this season.

However, it looks like that extra year in his homeland has done him the world of good, as so far this season, he has looked every bit the “future Ballon d’Or winner” respected analyst Ben Mattinson described him as.

Appearances

83

Minutes

5610′

Goals

27

Assists

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

Minutes per Goal Involvement

133.57′

For example, he was arguably the Blues’ most exciting player in pre-season and injected some real life into the side when he came on in the season opener against Crystal Palace.

Then, when Palmer picked up an injury ahead of the West Ham game, Maresaca handed the youngster his first competitive start, and he looked incredible.

The Franca-born gem was running rings around the East Londoners and even picked up his first assist after a mazy run.

Amazingly, his first goal for the club came in that incredible 2-1 win over Liverpool last month.

He then quickly followed that up with a goal against Ajax in the Champions League and another against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the League Cup.

As if he hadn’t already made his mark on the team, he then scored his second UCL goal against Qarabağ.

In doing so, he became the first South American 18 or under to score in consecutive Champions League matches.

Ultimately, while it is still so early in his career, it certainly feels like Estevao is on the same trajectory as Palmer and will soon join him as one of the best players in the world.

Big-money Chelsea flop is fast becoming their new Danny Drinkwater

Chelsea have a new Danny Drinkwater on their books.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

Gary Neville reveals why Nani was the Man Utd star who "frustrated" him the most

Gary Neville has named why Manchester United teammate Nani “frustrated” him the most, but admitted he would still get in any Premier League team right now.

Neville criticises Man Utd’s current "ageing" spine

United appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks, having won three successive matches for the first time under Ruben Amorim before Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Nottingham Forest.

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However, Neville appeared on The Overlap’s Stick to Cricket show and had some criticism for the team’s “ageing” spine.

He said: “I think your spine of a football team is critical. When I first came into Man United, our spine was (Peter) Schmeichel, (Steve) Bruce, (Gary) Pallister, (Roy) Keane and (Eric) Cantona and so we were all scattered around it.

“I think Maguire and (Matthijs) De Ligt should be doing a lot better than they are. You know, you look at the experience that those two have got. De Ligt’s played a mountain of games at sort of different levels, the highest level. Harry’s played so many times for England. You’ve got the midfield, Casemiro and Bruno have got massive experience.

“Up front, they haven’t got the experience. But to me, that spine of Bruno Fernandes (31), Casemiro (33), Maguire (32) and De Ligt (26) is ageing, but should be doing a lot better at holding it all together than they do.”

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 5, 2025 Neville names Nani most frustrating Man Utd teammate

Neville was also asked by ex-England cricket captain Micheal Vaughan for the player who frustrated him the most during his career.

The former Man Utd right-back chose Nani, saying he was “erratic” but a winger who “could win you games”.

The Portuguese forward made the move to Old Trafford in 2007 and spent eight years in Manchester, making 230 appearances in all competitions in a United shirt.

He contributed to more than 100 goals during that time, winning four Premier League titles and one Champions League.

It isn’t just Neville who found Nani frustrating, with Wayne Rooney also calling the forward his worst Red Devils teammate.

“My worst team-mate – there are a lot more than you’d probably think. On the pitch, the toughest one was Nani. He was frustrating to play with.”

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