Let’s face it, more often than not, defenders defend for a reason. I can say this as a clogging centre-back myself. Every metre past the halfway line I go, the more lightheaded I get, and by the time I’m in the opposition’s box, it’s turned into a full on nose-bleed. Goals are hard to come by for the majority of defenders but when they come they’re often a joy to behold.
There’s nothing like seeing the big man coming up from the back and slamming a bullet header past the keeper and every now and then you get a piece of brilliance, remember John O’Shea’s dink against Arsenal? Where did that come from?
With all that in mind, here is our list of five of the Best Goalscoring Premier League Defenders:
Gary Cahill – 26 goals
After starting his career at Aston Villa, Cahill moved on to Bolton where he really made a name for himself in the Premier League. During his four-and-a-half years with the Trotters, he scored 13 Premier League goals, before completing a £7 million move to Chelsea where he would form a formidable partnership with John Terry. To date, he has gone on to score a further 13 Premier League goals, and 25 in total for the Blues.
Ian Harte – 28 goals
Some of our younger readers may be thinking who??? But you don’t need to delve too far into the history books to find Ian Harte. An Irish international who is most closely associated with Leeds United…yes youngsters, they were in the Premier League (and even Champions League) once upon a time.
With his wicked left foot, he scored 28 Premier League goals, mostly free kicks too, going on to score a career total of 85 goals before finally retiring in 2015. Take a look at some of these beauties…
Leighton Baines – 32 goals
Another left back now, see’s Leighton Baines as the third highest goalscorer in Premier League history. Less of a big hulking defender set to beat the opposition in to submission, Baines is more like a guy who might have been in a band you liked in the ’00’s. But he’s got a sweet left peg and knows how to use it as his 32 Premier League goals prove.
David Unsworth – 38 goals
Time for yet another Toffee now, former full back David Unsworth. While Joey Barton was quick to have a pop at Unsworth when the former defender took the managerial reigns at Everton. Barton questioned how someone as out of shape as Unsworth could earn the respect of his players. Pipe down Joey, we know you’re just jealous that Unsworth’s haul of 38 Premier League goals eclipses your 26, even though you were a penalty taking midfielder!
John Terry – 41 goals
Say what you want about JT, and on our podcast we certainly do, but the former Chelsea captain was a goal scoring machine coming up from the back. Between 1998 and 2017 he hit the target 41 times in the Premier League as he helped his side towards five titles. Who knows, if he manages the get promoted with Aston Villa this season he could be adding to his total next term.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1d-eNGgi3E
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