In football, the primary responsibility of strikers is to score goals; however, the contributions of defenders should not be overlooked. They serve a different role, yet with the rise of set-piece strategies and intricately planned free-kick plays, their influence in scoring has markedly increased.
Top Scoring Defenders in Europe’s Premier Leagues
Which defenders have emerged as significant goal threats in the top five European leagues? We delve into the details of these players.
Denzel Dumfries (3 Goals)
Sneaking onto our list is Denzel Dumfries from Inter, who has netted one goal in Serie A and two in the Champions League over 14 matches. The Dutch right-back consistently adds to Inter’s attacking play. Notably, his teammate Federico Dimarco, positioned on the left, has also contributed with two goals, highlighting Inter’s effective system.
Charlie Cresswell (3 Goals)
Young English talent Charlie Cresswell has also found the net three times in just eleven league appearances for FC Toulouse, currently hovering around mid-table in Ligue 1. One of his notable goals was against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, although it didn’t prevent a 3-6 defeat.
Danilo Doekhi (6 Goals)
Demonstrating how defenders can change outcomes, Danilo Doekhi from Union Berlin scored twice against Bayern Munich recently. The match resulted in a 2-2 draw; nonetheless, securing a point against an unbeaten Bayern is remarkable for the Iron Ones. Doekhi has also scored in a 3-1 victory over Gladbach and contributed significantly in the cup game, including the decisive goal in extra time against Bielefeld, bringing his tally to six goals in 12 matches.
Micky van de Ven (6 Goals)
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has proven to be a dual threat, responsible for scoring three times in 16 Premier League matches, alongside two goals in the Champions League, and even netting one in the less-highlighted UEFA Super Cup against PSG. A strong presence in central defense, he has also made significant contributions offensively.
Grimaldo (7 Goals)
Taking the top spot is Alex Grimaldo of Leverkusen, who has made headlines with seven goals across 15 matches in league, cup, and Champions League play. His signature style includes a mix of four expertly executed free kicks, two penalties, and a goal from open play, showcasing his diverse scoring ability.
In conclusion, the evolving role of defenders highlights their increasing importance not only in preventing goals but also in contributing to their teams’ scoring efforts.
