Top 5 strikers to have worn the number 9 shirt in the Premier League
Kit numbers are more than just a number behind the player’s shirt. It defines a player’s identity, squad role and playing style. Until the late 60’s, a player was given a number based on the position he played in. For instance, number 11 was always worn by the player who played on the outside left (now known as a left winger) and number 3 was given to players who played on the right half-back position.Today, as we know, each player has his own squad number behind his shirt. Since its introduction in 1992, the Barclays Premier League has been no stranger to top quality strikers. The number 9, commonly worn by strikers and centre forwards, is considered, a synonym for goals in England. There is a burden of finding the back of the net when you are sporting the number 9. In the past we have seen these players play up top and bag goals. Let us take a ride and look back at the top 5 premier league strikers to have worn the number 9.Note: These views are completely of the concerned author and not of the website.
#1 Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer is considered to be one of the greatest strikers to have played in the first division of English football. With a Premier League’s best total of 260 goals to his name, he is what one would call a “complete striker”. Whether it’s a header or volley, Alan Shearer finds the net!
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Alan Shearer has an immaculate book of records. He made his debut for Southampton in 1988 by scoring hat-trick, which is a feat achieved by very few. His aerial ability, awareness and long-range shooting were his strengths during his prime. Shearer was the top scorer in the Premier League for 3 consecutive seasons (1994-95, 1995-96 and1996-1997) and also won the PFA Player of the year award in 1995 and 1996.
With innumerous personal records, Alan Shearer is the striker that typifies the number 9 centre forward. The fact that he is the greatest striker to have worn the number 9 in the Premier League is quite a bit of a no-brainer.