The Premier League has been graced by some of the best penalty takers in its glorious history with many matches decided by one kick from 12 yards out. Leighton Baines recently scored from the penalty spot against Manchester United to salvage a draw for his side.
His latest goal makes him one of the best ever penalty takers in the Premier League with a deadly conversation rate but still ranks 13th on the all-time list. Sky Sports have announced the list of the best penalty takers which features the likes of many Premier League legends which are mentioned below.
This list which was published by Martin Tyler in his column for Sky mentions the names who have scored a minimum of 10 penalties during their stint in the Premier League. Baines has now scored an impressive 17 penalties in 19 attempts which puts him at the thirteenth spot in the list. David De Gea saved one of his penalties in the last season whereas a Shay Given own goal are the only misses which denied the Everton fullback a 100% spot kick accuracy.
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Mikel Arteta and Thierry Henry also feature in the list with Henry establishing himself as one of the best players ever to play in the English league. James Milner also features with the veteran scoring 10 out of his 11 attempted penalties. From the younger lot, Eden Hazard and Harry Kane also makes the list after impressing for their respective sides from 12 yards out.
The late Gary Speed also makes his presence felt in this list with a conversion rate of 90.91%. The top three spots of the deadliest penalty takers in the Premier League are occupied by James Beattie in the third place who has scored 16 of his 17 penalties.
Danny Murphy, who played for Liverpool and Fulham, is the second best player on this list with a spot kick accuracy of 94.74%. Matt Le Tissier, Southampton legend, is the best ever penalty taker in the Premier League who scored a ridiculous 25 penalties out of 26 with a staggering conversion rate of 96.15%.
Let's take a look at the entire list featuring the players with the best conversion rate in the Premier League from the penalty spot:
| Player | Penalties taken (scored) | Conversion Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Matt Le Tissier | 26 (25) | 96.15% |
| Danny Murphy | 19 (18) | 94.74% |
| James Beattie | 17 (16) | 94.12% |
| Julian Dicks | 16 (15) | 93.75% |
| Thierry Henry | 25 (23) | 92% |
| Gary Speed | 11 (10) | 90.91% |
| Frank Lebouf | 11 (10) | 90.91% |
| James Milner | 11 (10) | 90.91% |
| Eden Hazard | 11 (10) | 90.91% |
| Harry Kane | 11 (10) | 90.91% |
| Peter Beardsley | 20 (18) | 90% |
| Mikel Arteta | 19 (17) | 89.47% |
| Leighton Baines | 19 (17) | 89.47% |
