Ranked 10 top scoring defenders Premier League
In the world of football betting, defenders are not usually the first choice when predicting goalscorers. However, Premier League history has proven that many defenders possess outstanding scoring ability, especially in set pieces or penalties. These defenders not only contribute significantly in terms of tactics but also open up surprising betting opportunities for those who know how to exploit them. Join Premiumsoccertips.net to discover the top scoring defenders Premier League, where every goal can be a “golden point” for bettors.
10 top scoring defenders Premier League
Here are the top 10 highest scoring defenders in Premier League history, players who have not only done a good job defending but also become a big threat in front of the opposition goal.
Top 10: Julian Dicks – 24 Goals
Julian Dicks was not only a defender with a powerful playing style but also a notable goal-scoring threat from the back. Despite not having as many appearances as other players on this list, he finished his Premier League career with 24 goals. Particularly, the 1995/96 season marked a breakthrough for Dicks, as he scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for West Ham – an impressive figure for a defender. Most of his goals came from penalties, thanks to his precise and cold-blooded penalty-taking skills. This is an important aspect for bookmakers and bettors to focus on when looking at player goalscorer odds or betting on penalties awarded.
Given his clear goal-scoring tendency from set pieces, Julian Dicks serves as a prime example that defenders can also be potential goal-scoring threats. In special betting markets like “Anytime Goalscorer,” “Goalscorer from Penalty,” or various player prop bets, especially in matches featuring teams like West Ham or Liverpool against weaker opponents, information about players like Dicks is extremely valuable. These statistics are useful for bettors to leverage when analyzing attacking trends or tactics that assign penalty-taking duties to defenders, which is often overlooked.
Top 9: William Gallas – 25 Goals
William Gallas garnered attention not only for playing for three major London rivals, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham, but also for his remarkable goal-scoring ability as a central defender. With 25 goals in his Premier League career, Gallas proved that he was not only a solid defender but also a frequent threat to the opponent’s goal. The 2005/06 season stands out, with Gallas scoring 5 goals – a remarkable feat for a central defender. His heading ability was a particular strength, especially in set-piece situations such as corners and aerial balls, opening up betting opportunities in markets like “Goalscorer by Header” or “Goalscorer from Set Pieces.”
From a betting perspective, William Gallas serves as an ideal example of how closely observing a defender’s playing style and tactical role can enhance bet placement. When betting on matches involving attacking central defenders like Gallas, bettors should consider side bets such as “Anytime Goalscorer” or “First Goalscorer,” which often offer high odds. Additionally, corner or total shots on target markets from central defenders should be explored if Gallas’ team is expected to dominate set-piece situations.
Top 8: Steve Watson – 26 Goals
Steve Watson was one of the most versatile defenders ever to play in the Premier League, capable of playing any defensive position and occasionally moving into midfield. This versatility contributed to his impressive tally of 26 goals in his Premier League career, an extraordinary number for a player who did not often play at the highest positions on the field. His time at Everton particularly showcased his goal-scoring consistency, especially during the 2002/03 and 2003/04 seasons when he scored 10 goals, including a rare hat-trick for a defender. With his tendency to join attacking plays, Watson was a defender capable of creating surprising moments, making him particularly noteworthy for bettors during matches where his team was expected to attack proactively.
From a sports betting perspective, identifying a defender like Steve Watson, who could score from unexpected attacking forays, provides bettors with attractive side betting opportunities such as “Anytime Goalscorer,” “Shots on Target by Defender,” or even “Hat-trick by a Player” with high odds. Furthermore, if bookmakers offer bets on defensive players in matches likely to feature attacking football (such as home games against weaker teams), Watson becomes an ideal risky but high-potential profit choice.
Top 7: Marcos Alonso – 26 Goals
Marcos Alonso is a prime example of the modern attacking defender. With 26 goals during his time at Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Bolton, and Sunderland, Alonso firmly established himself as a goal-scoring wing-back. Not only did he score from advanced positions, but he was also highly effective with long-range shots and free kicks. The 2017/18 season marked his peak, scoring 7 goals in 33 appearances – an extremely impressive figure. When analyzing Chelsea’s games during Alonso’s appearances, many bettors noticed his shooting frequency and even accuracy, making him comparable to a winger – a highly attractive factor in player behavior-based bets.
For bettors, Alonso is a “secret weapon” in special goal-scoring bets. When Chelsea earns many set-piece situations, particularly close to the opponent’s penalty box, bets like “Alonso to Score” or “Goalscorer from Free Kick” should not be missed due to the high odds. Furthermore, when Alonso is positioned as a high wing-back in a 3-defender formation, bettors should consider bets like “Shots on Target by Player” or “Assists by Player.” For accumulator bets or “Last Goalscorer” markets, Alonso is a surprising but potentially highly rewarding option when reading the game’s context accurately.
To bet effectively, refer to reputable football tips from experts, based on match analysis and odds.
Top 6: Gary Cahill – 28 Goals
Gary Cahill is a model of a central defender with a keen ability to score from set pieces, something sports bettors should always be mindful of. With 28 goals in his Premier League career, most of which came from aerial duels, Cahill was not only solid defensively but also a constant threat during corner kicks or free kicks. His successful spell at Chelsea, where he formed a formidable central defensive partnership with John Terry, also saw many powerful headers contributing to their Premier League and Champions League victories. In betting terms, many bettors often overlook central defenders, but players like Cahill can drastically alter the course of a game.
Given his ability to score headers from set-piece situations, bettors should consider side bets like “Goalscorer by Header,” “First Goalscorer from Corner Kick,” or “Total Goals from Defenders” when Cahill’s team is expected to press and create many set-piece opportunities. Important games, particularly derbies or those affecting league standings, usually have an increased pace and frequency of set pieces – a time when players like Cahill are a golden choice for experienced bettors who can take advantage of hidden statistics.
Top 5: Ian Harte – 28 Goals
Ian Harte was one of the most exceptional left-backs in terms of goal-scoring, particularly due to his excellent free-kick abilities. All 28 of Harte’s goals came during his time at Leeds United, a team known for its attacking play at the turn of the 21st century. Harte frequently took direct free kicks and penalties, a rare responsibility for a defender. With his precise left foot, he scored several stunning long-range goals. This made Harte a strategic choice for bettors, particularly in markets like “Goalscorer from Free Kick” or “Goalscorer from Outside the Box.”
When analyzing matches involving Harte, especially at Elland Road, bettors should consider set-piece-related bets. Markets such as “Anytime Goalscorer” or “First Goalscorer from Free Kick” often have appealing odds, and Harte is certainly a name worth considering. Additionally, in over/under team goal markets, having a defender with strong free-kick abilities like Harte increases the likelihood of overs, particularly when his team faces defensively weaker opponents.
Top 4: Leighton Baines – 32 Goals
Leighton Baines was an incredibly goal-scoring left-back, with an impressive tally of 32 goals during his Premier League career, largely spent at Everton. Baines was not only adept at scoring but did so consistently, with a remarkable record of scoring in 11 consecutive seasons from 2008/09 to 2017/18. This makes him a top pick for long-term goal-scorer betting markets, including “Most Goals by Defender in a Season” or “Goalscorer from Penalty.”
From a betting perspective, Baines was often the go-to player when Everton earned many set pieces. Home games where Everton dominated possession were prime opportunities for bets like “Baines to Score” or “Anytime Goalscorer.” Moreover, bettors might want to consider penalty betting, as Baines was often the player tasked with taking penalties for his team. Small details like these provide significant advantages when placing strategic side bets or accumulator bets.
Top 3: Ian Marshall – 33 Goals
Although starting as a central defender, Ian Marshall had an impressive goal-scoring record with 33 goals in 157 Premier League appearances, averaging about a goal every five matches. Unlike many defenders who score mainly from set pieces, Marshall was occasionally used as a second striker in certain matches, exploiting his excellent positioning and powerful shooting. Notably, he was one of the few defenders assigned penalty duties, further boosting his consistent goal-scoring opportunities. Marshall is an extremely valuable asset for unconventional betting markets, such as bets based on position but with a focus on goal-scoring potential.
In matches where Marshall played and the opposition had a weak aerial defense, bettors should particularly focus on “Anytime Goalscorer” or “Goalscorer by Header” markets. Additionally, if bookmakers offer markets like “Central Defender to Score” or “Goalscorer After 60 Minutes,” Marshall, who frequently advanced later in games, would be a suitable choice. Experienced bettors who can utilize information about a player’s actual position and tactical role will have a significant edge when choosing Marshall for these unexpected situations.
Top 2: David Unsworth – 38 Goals
David Unsworth was one of the rare left-backs with a highly consistent ability to score from the penalty spot, tallying 38 goals in his Premier League career, primarily at Everton. Not only was Unsworth a solid defender, but he also had a powerful left foot and a calm demeanor when facing the goalkeeper. His peak goal-scoring years came in the 1999/00 and 2000/01 seasons, with a total of 11 goals. His frequent penalty-taking duties made Unsworth an ideal choice for bettors interested in the “Goalscorer from Penalty” market, a side bet with high odds but often underutilized.
When Unsworth’s team played crucial or relegation-threatened matches – like his decisive penalty for Wigan in 2007 – the likelihood of him scoring from the penalty spot was high. This is crucial for bettors, as placing wagers on these types of situations can yield significant profits. For bettors involved in accumulator betting, Unsworth’s role as a penalty taker made him an easy but lucrative bet to score whenever his team won a penalty.
Top 1: Frank Sinclair – 49 Goals
Sinclair played as a right-back and central defender in his Premier League career, scoring an impressive 49 goals in over 250 appearances. Notably, he had a knack for scoring with his head during set pieces, much like other goal-scoring defenders. However, what truly made Sinclair stand out was his accuracy in long-range shots and his ability to convert opportunities inside the box. His involvement in offensive plays often gave him a chance to score when his team had set-piece opportunities, including his spectacular header in Leicester’s 1997/98 season.
For sports bettors, players like Sinclair are prime examples of hidden gems for prop bets such as “Defender to Score” or “Total Goals from Defenders.” Additionally, when Sinclair’s team was involved in matches with high-scoring potential or weak defending from set pieces, he was a valuable option to bet on “First Goalscorer” or “Anytime Goalscorer.” Being an experienced player who could often be overlooked, Sinclair would be ideal for savvy bettors who can spot value in defender-focused betting markets.
Conclusion
Although not the most sought-after names in the Golden Boot betting tables, the top scoring defenders Premier League often bring great value to punters who know how to seize the opportunity. From David Unsworth’s cool penalties to John Terry’s powerful headers, each name on this list can be a “golden secret” for bright bets. When building a betting strategy, don’t ignore the role of scoring from the back – because in modern football, any position can make a miracle.
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