The top 10 best super subs in football of all time
In football, not only are the official players on the field important contributors to the team’s success, but the excellence and contributions of reserve players are also crucial. Sometimes, the excellence and contribution of reserve players are also the deciding factor between victory and defeat. From brief but decisive minutes of play to impressive substitute performances, the super subs have shown a strength that cannot be ignored in the football world. They can be the ones who hold the team’s tactical secrets, ready to enter the field whenever needed, or they can be young, potential faces waiting for the opportunity to shine. In the following article, let’s discover with Kingsoccertips the top 10 best super subs in football history to get the answer.
Top the best super subs in football that you may not know
1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is someone who often appeared from the bench and affirmed his position as a ‘super sub’, with the ability to shine as soon as he entered the field and scored half of the goals in his career in the last 30 minutes of the match. Although he was not destined to become a football player, Ole quickly adapted and shined.
Known as “Super Sub”, Ole is always ready and willing to prove his worth every time he is assigned a task. Not only did he quickly adapt to the pace of the match, but he also demonstrated the ability to finish effectively, creating important moments for the team. His knack for scoring in crucial situations has solidified his reputation as one of the best super subs in football.
Over 11 remarkable seasons at Manchester United, Ole scored 126 goals in 366 matches. He became famous for his special ability to score goals in decisive moments of important matches, making a name for himself and creating unforgettable memories.
2. Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud has built his journey in football on flexibility and adaptability, two important attributes that have helped him shine in many different roles during his career. Although not always favored as a super sub, Giroud is always willing to take on this role and prove his value every time he is assigned a task.
While playing for Arsenal, Giroud faced fierce competition for a starting position, especially when Arsene Wenger often favored Alexis Sanchez as the focal point of attack. However, Giroud was always a valuable player and was often called up from the bench.
In his final season at Emirates Stadium, he proved his worth as a super sub, making 18 substitute appearances out of 29 Premier League matches. Despite his limited playing time, Giroud still contributed with five important goals, proving that he was a reliable option when needed.
3. Jermain Defoe
Jermain Defoe, a famous Premier League icon, proved his worth when appearing from the bench. With 149 substitute appearances in his career, he has shown incredible versatility and effectiveness in changing the complexion of matches.
During his time playing for Tottenham Hotspur, Defoe was famous for his excellent scoring ability and skillful finishing. Despite always being an assassin in the 16m50 area, he has never surpassed the 20-goal mark in a Premier League season, interestingly.
At the end of his career, Defoe left his mark with a total of 227 goals in 624 appearances, proving his stability and class as a quality striker. In addition, he also contributed to the success of the England national team with 20 goals in 57 appearances, while further cementing his reputation as one of the best super subs in football.
4. Javier Hernandez
Javier Hernandez, Solskjaer’s successor at Old Trafford, brought his talent to Manchester United three years after the super-sub retired, and then continued to succeed at Real Madrid. As Mexico’s top scorer, Hernandez created an impressive record at Bayer Leverkusen with an average of one goal per match in all competitions.
Since joining, he has shown his ability to effectively lead the attack. Whether in the super-sub position or starting position, Hernández always knew how to score important goals, emphasizing his versatility and efficiency. No matter what role he was in, he always contributed his best to the team, leaving a deep impression in the hearts of fans and professionals.
5. Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge went through difficult times when he could not maintain a regular position in the squads of Manchester City or Chelsea. However, he found brilliance at Liverpool before facing new challenges from the bench.
During unfortunate periods, injuries have reduced Sturridge’s brilliance. However, his belief and talent cannot be denied, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Sturridge’s ability to make a difference from the bench demonstrates his determination and will to contribute, even in the face of difficulty. Although his career was plagued with health challenges and inconsistent playing time, his impactful moments as a super-sub will always be remembered by fans and teammates.
6. Shola Ameobi
In Newcastle’s history, the name Shola Ameobi is always associated with patience and steadfastness. He began his Premier League career with The Magpies in the 2000/2001 season and spent 14 seasons with the team, even staying when they were relegated in 2009. His contributions off the bench also place him among the best super subs in football.
Although not a prolific scorer, Ameobi is always willing to contribute when coming off the bench and make a difference. During his prime, when Newcastle had top strikers like Alan Shearer and Michael Owen, Ameobi was often left on the bench. But that was the time he shone, making 142 appearances, which proved his important role in the team.
7. Peter Crouch
Peter Crouch, with a height of 6’7″, is not only a football player but also a symbol and a true legend of the field. Possessing a stature as large as a machine, he has made a mark on the football field. He made an indelible impression by playing for 7 clubs in the Premier League, from Liverpool and Tottenham to Aston Villa.
With his outstanding height, Crouch naturally becomes a super sub in the eyes of coaches. His presence provides clear options for his team, especially when launching long balls into the opposition penalty area, leveraging his aerial ability.
With an extensive career, Crouch played in a total of 599 matches and scored 108 goals in the Premier League. Of these matches, he came on from the bench 158 times, demonstrating his ability to change the course of the game when needed. This remarkable record further solidifies his status as one of the best super subs in football.
8. Shane Long
Shane Long has been a symbol of resilience and adaptability during his journey in the Premier League. He has proven his ability to make an impact even when coming off the bench. Born in Tipperary, Ireland, Long began his Premier League career with Reading in 2005 before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2011 and finally finding his home at Southampton in 2014. He is famous for his spirit. His tireless work and versatility were valuable assets to every team he represented
Although Long does not have as impressive a scoring record as some of his colleagues, his contribution does not stop at scoring goals. His ability to put pressure on defenders, create space for teammates, and disrupt opposition play has made him a valuable option off the bench.
9. James Milner
James Milner is a great icon in English football, not only as a player who plays in the starting position but also as an incredible super sub. Having spent many years with Liverpool, Milner parted ways with the Anfield club at the end of the 2023 season. However, his journey in the Premier League has not ended as he moved to Brighton, where he will bring valuable experience and treasure for the Seagulls as they step into the world of European football.
With more than 500 appearances in the Premier League, Milner is one of the most stable and powerful players in English football. In April 2021, he surpassed Peter Crouch’s record to become the player with the most substitute appearances in Premier League history. While there is no exact figure for how many substitute appearances Milner has made, during the 2022-23 season he came on as a substitute 25 times for Liverpool, proving his availability and reliability each time.
10. Edin Dzeko
Dzeko, although remembered as a ‘pure goal scorer’, actually has a somewhat controversial reputation in the football world. Often criticized for aspects of his game other than his scoring ability, he remains one of the most effective strikers, known for his ability to capitalize on opportunities. His sharpness and technique are qualities that teams always appreciate, especially as the match comes to an end. As a result, Dzeko also deserves recognition among the best super subs in football.
Above all, Dzeko has proven his importance in big matches, especially when he comes off the bench. His ability to score vital goals has regularly helped his teams gain valuable points or even victories in difficult matches. This proves that, despite his limitations, Dzeko is still an extremely valuable asset in every team he plays for.
Not only is he a scorer, but Dzeko is also an ideal teammate, always willing to work hard and contribute to the development of the team. His patience, discipline, and team spirit not only positively affect his performance but also create a supportive working environment for his teammates.
Conclusion
Above are the top 10 best super subs in football of all time. They are not only players capable of scoring goals from the bench but also those who bring flexibility, team spirit, and adaptability to all situations. These players are often those who do not lose self-esteem when starting from the bench and are always willing to contribute to their team when given the opportunity. Patience, discipline, and the ability to make a difference in decisive moments are their special qualities. In an increasingly competitive football world, these super-subs are not only essential parts of the squad but also under-recognized heroes. Thanks to them, the club can achieve great achievements and affirm its position in international football!
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