Top Ten: Goal-Scoring Defenders
Will Atkins
Posted on: 05 October 2009 - 09:47
Football
A modern defender isn’t just expected to keep goals out – he’s often relied upon for goals of his own. From hard-hitting free-kick takers to bullet-heading centre-halves, defenders can cause panic in the opposing team, and add an extra dimension to his own team’s play. As such, Sport.co.uk have decided to rank the top ten goal scoring defenders.
1.Daniel Passerella – The Argentine legend scored 140 goals in his illustrious career. A free-kick and penalty specialist, Passerella belied his diminutive stature to constantly threaten in the air. Passerella won the World Cup twice, captaining Argentina to victory in 1978.
2.Ronald Koeman – The Dutchman holds the record for the most league goals for a defender (193 – 11 more than Passerella), including 21 in one season for PSV. A free-kick specialist, he scored in the European Cup Final of 1982 for Barcelona.
3.Steve Bruce – The current Sunderland manager holds the English record for the most league goals in one season by a defender – 19. An aerial threat, Bruce was best known for his time at Manchester United, where he chipped in with 36 goals in his stint at the club.
4.Roberto Carlos – The left-back with the rocket foot is best known for his 1997 strike against France for Brazil, and his immense power in dead-ball situations troubled both goalkeepers and defensive walls. Carlos won the World Cup in 2002, and scored 47 times for Real Madrid.
5.Stuart Pearce – The uncompromising defender was also renowned for his dead-ball ability, and famously scored a free-kick in the 1991 FA Cup Final. However, Pearce is best known for his penalty miss in the 1990 World Cup semi-final, but earned redemption 6 years later with successful penalties during Euro 96.
6.David Unsworth – The former Everton, West Ham, Portsmouth, Sheffield United and Wigan centre-half is the highest scoring defender in Premier League history, with 38 strikes, mainly from penalties. His final-day strike for Wigan in 2007 saved the club from relegation.
7.Ian Harte – Famous for his time at Leeds United, Harte was a crucial part of the team which reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Harte’s bullet left-foot has led to him only behind Unsworth in terms of goals scored by defenders in the Premier League. Harte currently plays for Carlisle, and has earned 64 international caps for Ireland.
8.Mariano Pernia – Atletico Madrid’s left-back became the defender with the most goals in one La Liga season during the 2005-6 season (while playing for Getafe). Pernia is known for his attacking play from the left-flank, and chose to play internationally for adopted country Spain ahead of native country Argentina.
9.John Terry – John Terry’s presence in the penalty-box is worrying for any defender, and it is his heading ability which has led to him scoring the most goals by any defender in Chelsea’s history. Terry has also scored 6 goals for England, and will hope to notch more crucial goals in the future.
10.Ray Stewart – Nicknamed ‘Tonka’ (after the indestructible Tonka Toys), Scottish international Stewart was a penalty specialist, scoring 76 out of 86 during his time at West Ham. Stewart played a pivotal role in the successful West Ham team of the early 80’s.