In football, a substitute player is one who is brought onto the field during a match to replace a player currently on the field. Substitutions are often made to replace a tired or injured player. The person being substituted may be underperforming or simply for tactical reasons. However, regardless of the reason, substitute players always have to give their best whenever they come on. They need to prove their worth to earn a spot in the starting lineup. The world has seen many stars rise to fame from this position. Join Wintips admin in exploring the "Top 10 best super subs in football" right below.
The best super subs in football all of time - Top 10
1/ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Often coming off the bench, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer earned the moniker "super-sub," but quickly adapting to the game and scoring half of his career goals in the final 30 minutes of matches. Few know that Ole wasn't destined to be a footballer from birth.
Ole frequently entered the pitch from the substitutes' bench and was dubbed the "Super-Sub." However, he always closely followed the game, seamlessly adapting to the pace regardless of when he entered the field, and efficiently finishing chances.
In his remarkable eleven seasons at Manchester United, Ole played 366 matches and scored 126 goals. Ole became famous for his peculiar ability: being a goal-scoring specialist in the dying minutes of crucial matches.
2/ Olivier Giroud - Best super subs in football
Olivier Giroud's journey as a footballer has been characterized by versatility and adaptability, qualities that have seen him excel in various roles throughout his career. While he may not have always been cast as a super-sub, he certainly embraced the role when called upon, demonstrating his ability to make an impact off the bench.
During his time at Arsenal, Giroud faced stiff competition for a starting position, particularly with Arsene Wenger often opting for Alexis Sanchez as the focal point of the attack. Despite this, Giroud remained a valuable asset to the team, frequently making appearances off the bench.
In his final season at the Emirates Stadium, he showcased his prowess as a super-sub, with 18 of his 29 Premier League appearances coming as a substitute. Despite limited playing time, Giroud managed to contribute significantly, finding the back of the net on 5 occasions.
3/ Jermain Defoe - Best super subs in football
Jermain Defoe is another renowned Premier League player who has made a significant impact coming off the bench. Throughout his career, he has been substituted on 149 occasions, demonstrating his versatility and effectiveness in changing the course of a game.
Best known for his time at Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, Defoe was a prolific goal scorer known for his clinical finishing. However, despite his goal-scoring prowess, it is interesting to note that he never surpassed the 20-goal mark in a single Premier League season.
Defoe concluded his career with a total of 227 goals in 624 appearances, showcasing his longevity and consistency as a goal scorer. Additionally, he netted 20 goals in 57 appearances for the England national team, further solidifying his reputation as a dependable striker.
4/ Javier Hernandez
As the heir to Solskjaer's throne at Old Trafford, Hernandez joined Manchester United three years after the super-sub initially retired and relished this role before achieving similar success at Real Madrid. Fair to say, for Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer, his two years at Bayer Leverkusen produced a record better than a goal per game in all competitions.
Demonstrating his ability to lead the attack effectively from the start. However, West Ham also drew a similar conclusion to United before them.
Hernandez's knack for scoring crucial goals off the bench or from the starting lineup underscores his versatility and effectiveness as a striker. Whether as a super-sub or a regular starter, he consistently delivered for his teams, leaving a lasting impression on fans and pundits alike.
5/ Daniel Sturridge - Best super subs in football
After failing to truly establish himself in the starting lineups of Manchester City or Chelsea, Sturridge had a brief but impactful stint as one of Liverpool's key players before finding himself once again resigned to life on the bench.
Ironically, if not for injury woes, Sturridge may not have made this list; he would have been starting week in and week out, undoubtedly making his mark on the pitch. However, despite his setbacks, his talent and potential were undeniable, making him a valuable asset for any team he played for.
Sturridge's ability to make an impact off the bench highlights his resilience and determination to contribute, even when faced with adversity. While his career may have been marred by injuries and inconsistent playing time, his moments of brilliance as a super-sub will be remembered by fans and fellow players alike.
6/ Shola Ameobi - Best super subs in football
A popular figure during his days in Newcastle was Shola Ameobi. The former Nigeria international made his Premier League debut for the Magpies in the 2000/21 season. He spent 14 seasons with them, even sticking with them when they were relegated in 2009.
Ameobi was also not a prolific goal scorer, but proved to be an advantageous player when coming on as a substitute for impact purposes. Most of his peak years were when the club had other superstar strikers such as Alan Shearer and Michael Owen, so Ameobi struggled to start from the start. He has been substituted 142 times.
7/ Peter Crouch
Crouch is indeed a legend of his own making. The towering 6'7" robot-like striker possessed the ability to break through any defense line thanks to his imposing stature. Playing for 7 Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Tottenham, and Aston Villa, Crouch left his mark wherever he went.
His height made him an obvious super-sub, providing his team with clear options to launch long balls into the box towards their target players.
Throughout his long-standing career, Crouch played a total of 599 matches and scored 145 goals in the Premier League. Among these, he came off the bench 158 times. However, he also frequently featured as a starter, especially during his time at Stoke City.
8/ Shane Long - Best super subs in football
Shane Long's journey in the English Premier League is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Throughout his career, Long has demonstrated his ability to make an impact, even when coming off the bench.
Hailing from Tipperary, Ireland, Long began his EPL journey with Reading in 2005 before moving to West Bromwich Albion in 2011 and eventually finding his home at Southampton in 2014. Known for his tireless work ethic and versatility, Long has been a valuable asset for every team he's represented.
While Long may not boast the prolific goal-scoring records of some of his peers, his contributions extend beyond just finding the back of the net. His ability to press defenders, create space for teammates, and disrupt opposition play has made him a valuable option off the bench.
9/ James Milner - Best super subs in football
Having spent many years at Liverpool, James Milner parted ways with the Anfield club at the end of the 2023 season. However, his Premier League days are not over as he moves to Brighton, adding to valuable experience as the Albatrosses first step foot in European football.
Milner is currently the only active EPL player to surpass 500 appearances. Rising to fame in April 2021, Milner surpassed Crouch's record as the most substituted substitute in Premier League history. There are no definitive figures on Milner in terms of substitute appearances, but in the 2022-23 season he came on as a substitute 25 times for the Reds in the top flight.
10/ Edin Dzeko
Indeed, the perception of being labeled as a "pure goal scorer" can sometimes carry a negative connotation in football circles. While it's true that some players may not excel in other aspects of the game, their ability to consistently find the back of the net remains a valuable asset to any team.
Take Edin Dzeko, for example. He has often been criticized for his perceived limitations outside of goal scoring. However, his knack for scoring crucial goals, especially when coming off the bench, has earned him a special place in the hearts of fans. One notable instance is his performance in Manchester City's historic 6-1 victory over arch-rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Conclude
In conclusion, the role of super subs in football cannot be underestimated. These players possess the ability to change the course of a game within minutes of stepping onto the pitch, often providing crucial goals or assists that lead their team to victory. Whether it's through their speed, skill, or tactical understanding, super subs play a vital role in the success of their teams. As the game continues to evolve, the value of a strong bench and impactful substitutes remains a key aspect of tactical planning for managers worldwide. Thank you for your interest and please visit the betdirect bookmaker website to receive more of the latest news.
See also: The most aggressive footballers in the world all of time
