5 best substitutes in world football at the moment
The post-pandemic football world has witnessed one particularly significant change - the introduction of five substitutes.
This new rule has enabled bigger squads to use their available players on the bench resulting in better results on the pitch. It has enabled fringe players with some much needed game time and has given manager access to more resources to for tactical changes as per any prevalent situation in a match.
Five best substitutes in world football now:
Manchester United and Manchester City have made the most use of the five-substitute rule - with both teams scoring a combined 20 goals after the 75th minute in the 2020/21 Premier League season.
United, who have been known to hit teams hard on the counter-attack, have scored 12 goals in the last 15 minutes of a game this season with the use of substitutes. The role of a super-sub is now more significant than ever. On that note, let's take a look at the five best substitutes in the game at the moment.
#5 Oliver Giroud
One of the best substitutes in the Premier League era, Oliver Giroud is also one of the highest-scoring substitutes in the competition.
The Frenchman has excelled in his role as a super-sub since his days at Arsenal. In the 2016-17 season, Giroud made 29 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, 18 of which were off the bench. The towering forward scored five goals in these 18 appearances; he has scored 20 career goals as a substitute.
Out of 27 appearances across all competitions this season, 14 of them have been from the bench. Surprisingly, all of Giroud's 11 league goals this season have come when he has started.
Despite his failure to score as a substitute this season, the Frenchman remains one of the Premier League's deadliest 'super-subs', scoring a goal every 94.6 minutes as a substitute.
#4 Leroy Sane
Leroy Sane is regarded as one of the finest young talents in world football. But he has failed to nail down a regular starting berth at Bayern Munich.
Current Bayern Munich manager, Hansi Flick, likes to use his compatriot as a super-sub. In 41 games across all competitions this season, Sane has made 15 appearances from the bench - reminiscent of his time at the Etihad.
While the former Manchester City player is one of the most explosive wingers going forward, there's much to be desired in the defensive side of his game, though. Most forwards have extensive defensive duties in modern football, but Sane never seems too keen on tracking back or pursuing one-on-ones.
However, Leroy Sane has shown glimpses of his extraordinary talent in his brief stint in Munich. The German international has eight goals and 11 assists to his name this season.