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The English Premier League has been graced by some of the best strikers in the world, such as Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Michael Owen, Didier Drogba, etc. These group of strikers although currently retired, or playing out the latter stages of their careers in other leagues are still fondly reminisced by the club faithful as well as football fans all over the world.But, in the last decade, there was a flood of fantastic striking talent on display in the mid-table to lower-half table teams. These strikers were regarded as one of the best in the world, in their prime. Years have passed by, and these talents have fallen out of the general public eye, or currently retired. Here, we take a look at 5 attacking talents who took the Premier League by storm in their playing time. These players made their mark in the most competitive league in the world, despite playing for teams that were either struggling for survival or a mid-table spot.This forgotten group of striking talents include former Champions League winners, leading scorers for their national team, Serie A winner, Bundesliga Champion, and a top striker who worked in close accordance under Jose Mourinho at Porto.So, let’s take a closer look at this group.
#1 Benni McCarthy
South Africa’s all-time leading scorer, Benni McCarthy, came into prominence in his time with Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam where he enjoyed much success. Regarded as one of the best among African players, he moved to Spanish side Celta Vigo, to further assert himself as one of the best.
McCarthy though endured a torrid time in Spain and would seek a loan move to FC Porto; where he was eventually signed on a permanent basis. It was at Porto, McCarthy won his highest accolades. The Bafana-Bafana star, led Jose Mourinho’s side to the national title, scoring 20 in 23 games; winning him the golden boot.
The highlight of his Porto career was winning the Champions League in 2004, where he scored 2 crucial goals in the second round, knocking out Manchester United. He went on to win another Portuguese League Title the following year, before moving to English Premier League’s Blackburn Rovers.
McCarthy was an instant hit in the Premier League, finishing second in the goal scoring tally, with 18 goals in his first season. Injury and arrival of Paraguyan Roque Santa Cruz saw him drop out of the first team.
His third season took a similar path, but the South African ended his Blackburn career with 52 goals in total. He moved to West Ham the following season, and after making only 14 appearances that season, he had his contract terminated and returned to South Africa, with the Orlando Pirates.
McCarthy retired from football in 2013.
#2 Roque Santa Cruz
One-time Paraguayan footballer of the year, Santa Cruz, was a well sought after striker in his early days. He was almost snapped up by Real Madrid, before moving to German powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Santa Cruz spent 8 seasons with Bavarians, during which he won 5 Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.
The Paraguayan was looking for a new challenge, and moved to Real Betis, but the Spanish side could not meet Bayern’s asking price, and he eventually joined Blackburn Rovers in 2007. Cruz netted 23 goals in 53 Premier League appearances for Rovers, with whom he spent 2 seasons.
His striking prowess prompted a big money move to novice big spenders, Manchester City. His time at City was a struggle where lack of form and fitness saw his chances limited. He returned to Blackburn on a loan spell, before moving to Spanish side Real Betis.
He currently plies his trade in the La Liga with Malaga.
#3 Obafemi Martins
Martins left his home country at a very early age to hone his skills in Italy. He impressed with the U-19 team of Serie C side, Reggina.
Inter Milan took a notice of him and snapped him up the following season. Martins spent 5 years in Milan, scoring on 28 occasions for the Nerazzurri and winning the Scudetto in 2006.
Following a transfer request from Martins, Newcastle United signed him for a reported 15 million pounds. He enjoyed a successful first season on Tyneside, finding the net 17 times in 46 appearances. His second season saw him compete against Mark Viduka, and Michael Owen for a starting spot, thus falling down the pecking order.
An injury-marred third season brought an end to his time in England. He finished with 35 goals for the club. Following Newcastle, he moved to German side Wolfsburg.
Dry scoring spells and injuries were the theme of his time in the Bundesliga, and he was on the lookout for a new club immediately.
Stints at Rubin Kazan, Birmingham City, and Levante took a toll on his career. However, a move to the MLS has proved successful, where he currently plays with Seattle Sounders.
#4 Benjani Mwaruwari
The Zimbabwean, Benjani, was signed by Portsmouth in the January transfer window of 2006, by then manager, Harry Redknapp. He struggled initially for goals, going on a 14 game goalless drought.
However, once he scored his first goal, the striker got into his stride and hit important goals for Pompey in their quest for survival. In 62 appearances for them in the Premier League, he found the net 19 times.
His scoring form prompted a bid from Sven Goran Eriksen managed-Manchester City. He reluctantly made the move from his beloved Pompey, where he was a fan favorite.
Benjani’s time at Manchester was a struggle throughout, his only highlight being scoring on debut, in a 2-1 win against city rivals Manchester United.He would eventually be loaned out to Sunderland, with whom he made a handful appearances.
Following a brief stint with Blackburn Rovers, Benjani returned to his beloved Pompey (Championship side), in the 2011-12 season.
Benjani played out the latter stages of his career in the South African Premier League, before hanging up his boots on the conclusion of the 2013-14 season.
#5 Amr Zaki
Nicknamed the “bulldozer”, the Egyptian made quite a name for himself in his single season with Wigan Athletic.
Wigan manager, Steve Bruce, secured Zaki from Egyptian side Zamalek, on a year-long loan. Zaki got off to flying start in the Premier League, scoring 5 in his first 6 games. At a point of the 08-09 season, he was the top scorer in the league, and would eventually finish with 10 goals. Reports emerged of interest from Liverpool, but lack of professionalism from Zaki and heavy criticism from manager Steve Bruce prompted no bids, and his loan deal was not extended,
Zaki would then return to Zamalek. During his second stint with the Egyptian side, he endured a brief 5-month loan spell with then Premier League side Hull City, making a paltry 6 appearances for the club.
Zaki would then move around playing in Turkey, and a host of middle-eastern clubs, before announcing his retirement in August 2015.
