Top 10 best long range shooters in football
In the world of football, long-range shooters are not only good at shooting the ball aggressively, but also artists of distance. They are the ones who bring hope and excitement to the fans with beautiful goals from afar, which not everyone can do. On the pitch, excellent ranged shooters are not only players, but artists who turn moments on the field into works of art. Today, Premiumsoccertips.net learn about the top 10 best long range shooters in football through the article below!
Who is the best long range shooters in football
1. Tugay
Tugay Kerimoğlu, simply known as Tugay, is one of the most talented midfielders from Turkey. He has had an admirable career, making significant contributions to the clubs he played for as well as the national team.
Tugay is renowned for his intelligent and technically gifted style of play. He possesses the ability to control the game from the midfield, with precise and delicate passing. However, what sets Tugay apart is his incredibly dangerous long-range shooting ability. He has scored many stunning goals from distance, contributing significantly to the success of the teams he represented.
Known for his patience and dedication to his career, Tugay has left a lasting mark on football fans not only in Turkey but also worldwide. He is considered one of the finest players from his country and a symbol of pride in Turkish football history.
2. Thomas Hitzlsperger
If a footballer’s longstanding nickname translates to “The Hammer,” you can probably guess why. Thomas Hitzlsperger is the player in question, and he certainly packs a powerful shot. The German international was a regular presence in the Aston Villa lineup during his time at the club, and he undoubtedly provided Villa supporters with some memorable moments with his thunderous long-range strikes.
He continued his career at West Ham later on and once again endeared himself to fans with his explosive left foot. While he hasn’t scored any goals for his current club, Everton, yet, it’s understandable why Toffees supporters cheer whenever Hitzlsperger lines up a shot from any position on the opposition’s half.
3. Paul Scholes
Today, Paul Scholes tends to involve himself more in playmaking than his earlier days as a goal-scoring midfielder. However, Scholes is still regarded as a master of long-range attacking. His spectacular volley here is truly one of the most beautiful goals I’ve ever seen. As a conductor for both Manchester United and the England national team, Scholes demonstrated the technical ability to create scoring opportunities from any situation. Whether arriving late in the box or unleashing notable volleys and long-range shots, he was always a threat to the opposing goal.
Scholes’ ball control is undeniable in today’s Premier League. Although he has transitioned into a deeper-lying midfield role in recent years, his past as a prolific goal scorer is unforgettable. Paul Scholes is not just a frontline force in controlling the game, but also a player capable of scoring and making a difference in every match.
4. Robin van Persie
The most dominant left foot in Premier League history? Indeed, that’s Robin van Persie. In his early days at Arsenal, the Dutch forward was given more freedom to roam across the field in advanced midfield positions and wide areas. The result was a much rawer style compared to the clinical finisher leading Manchester United’s attack today.
Van Persie, younger and more rugged, often operated on a “shoot on sight” policy. When he connected with the ball with his left foot, the results were quite remarkable. A prime example is his stunning volley against Charlton in 2006.
Arsene Wenger described Van Persie’s goal against Charlton as “technically perfect. A goal for life.” Watching it again (and again) makes it hard to disagree. It’s an absolute thunderbolt.
5. John Arne Riise
John Arne Riise is one of the most outstanding long-range shooters in football history. Born in Norway, Riise is known for his powerful and accurate left-footed strikes, causing headaches for opposing defenders. He showcased his strength by scoring beautiful goals from long distances, not only for the clubs he played for but also in international matches for the Norwegian national team.
With his power and special shooting technique, Riise became a legend at Liverpool FC, where he played a significant role in winning many important titles. Riise’s long-range shots not only brought goals for the team but also created memorable and emotional moments for fans worldwide, solidifying his position among the top long-range shooters in football.
6. Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba, a football icon, will always linger in the minds of fans with historic moments like his decisive headed goal and penalty kick in Chelsea’s famous night in May 2012. However, if we expand the view to his determined career, we’ll discover that Drogba’s goal tally isn’t just about headers or penalties; it also includes opportunities converted from magnificent long-range efforts.
Proud of his striking prowess, along with one of the strongest shots on the pitch, Drogba combined his physical style with successful goal-scoring from unconventional positions on the field. One of his finest goals, a thunderous volley against Everton, not only showcased his strength but also finesse and technique. It’s one of those unforgettable strikes in the Premier League.
Drogba’s long-range shooting ability is just another step in the development of one of the most complete and renowned forwards in the Premier League. Not just a “goal predator” in the penalty area, he’s a model of strength, technique, and relentless fighting spirit, making his name forever intertwined with football history.
7. Laurent Robert
In the list of players, no one has a more powerful shot than former Newcastle and Portsmouth player. Every time he strikes, it’s like a bomb heading towards the opponent’s goal.
The result, as you can see in the accompanying video, is a series of beautiful and spectacular goals. With time and space at the edge of the penalty area, the Frenchman is even better than many other players in Europe when it comes to long-range shots.
Robert Pires quickly became known as a long-range shooting specialist in England, scoring four goals in his debut season for Newcastle. What’s remarkable is that all four goals came from free-kicks! When he aims to shoot, there are probably many defenders wanting to block Robert’s shot. But those who tried to do so when he executed his shot surely felt regretful.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has evolved into a perfect forward during his time at Manchester United. Part of this complete ability is his wing play and long-range shooting.
His 40-yard screamer in the Champions League against Porto is a choice for his long-range efforts for United, but that’s certainly one of many such strikes. His ability to strike viciously with both feet makes him a nightmare for defenders.
Certainly, his speed can leave you trailing behind, but if you manage to challenge the Portuguese player, he can unleash a shot into the top corner from anywhere within a 40-yard radius.
His way of striking the ball is also unique in Ronaldo’s style of play. Hit with precision by the former United player, the ball will oscillate irregularly, not following a specific curve or spin as expected. He has puzzled many goalkeepers in the Premier League with his dribbling skills.
9. Frank Lampard
Even as Frank Lampard departed Chelsea last summer, he left an indelible mark on the club’s history and deserves a place on this list. Lampard shattered the mold of a goal-scoring midfielder when he became one of the pioneers at Chelsea. And it’s worth emphasizing that, while he didn’t always score 20 goals every season, his goal-scoring record was still impressive with diverse abilities.
Lampard’s strength lies in his long-range shooting or creating space at the edge of the penalty area, enabling him to score frequently from distance. Watching the match and appearing late at the edge of the penalty area to finish has become his trademark style over the years. Lampard is not just an excellent midfielder but also an expert in seizing opportunities and scoring from unfavorable positions on the field.
10. Steven Gerrard
No player in the Premier League era has scored long-range goals as frequently as Steven Gerrard. That’s why he’s my choice for the greatest long-range shooter ever seen in the Premier League.
Since Gerrard joined Liverpool as a teenager, he has consistently stunned opponents from long distances. He did it when it mattered. When his team needed him. His collection of blockbuster goals includes strikes in FA Cup finals, crucial Champions League knockout matches, as well as derbies with Everton and Manchester United.
His recent breathtaking 30-yard volley against Manchester City reminded everyone in the game of what Gerrard can produce from these areas. But the consistency he has shown year after year throughout the Premier League era is truly remarkable.
Conclude
Looking back at football history, the best long range shooters in football have contributed significantly to the development and enrichment of the beauty of the king sport. Whether retired legends or shining contemporary stars, they leave a bold mark in the hearts of fans with masterpieces from afar. And not only the pride of the team they represent, but also the pride of the whole football village.
See also: Top 10 most influential soccer players of all time