Liverpool's 5-1 win over Arsenal was headline-grabbing for many reasons, not least, the 20-minute opening spell that blew Arsenal away. While everyone purred over the counter-attacking pace of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling, Martin Skrtel could easily have slipped under the radar, but his contribution was key, as his threat from set-pieces proved to be the catalyst for Liverpool's roar back into title contention. Skrtel now has 13 goals since his move to Liverpool from Zenit St Petersburg in 2007. His goal tally is quite respectable for a defender, and he is fast developing a reputation for striking exploits, as he has already matched his best return of four for a season. While he is not quite in the echelons of the most famous goal-scoring centre-halves, if he keeps up this form he will be scaring both defenders and attackers. Here are ten defenders who have perfected the art of deadly finishing. Who have we missed out? Add your suggestions below.
10. Matt Elliott
As Leicester captain, Matt Elliott was integral to the club's most successful recent spell. The 2000 League Cup remains the Foxs' last major trophy, but most Leicester fans will be content with a return to the top flight, which is looking more and more inevitable for next season. Not only was Elliott captain for that trip to Wembley, but he scored both goals as Tranmere were defeated 2-1. He remains the only defender to score twice in a one-off League Cup final, and was the last captain to lift the trophy at the old Wembley stadium. This was undoubtedly the high point of his football career, but 33 goals in his eight years at Leicester were proof of his influence at both ends of the pitch. His uncompromising style was central to the legacy Martin O'Neill built before moving to Celtic in 2000. O'Neill tried to lure Elliott with him to Celtic Park, where he would have undoubtedly added to his League Cup winners medal, but instead he signed a new contract to take him to 2005, when injury ended his career at the age of 36. He retired with an impressive 85 goals for club and country, as a Scottish international.
I am from Bangor, aged 24, and possess an MA in Journalism from The University Of Ulster. I have had work published in the Belfast Telegraph and interviewed several local footballers and Olympic athletes. I also run my own sports blog, 'Sporting Thought' in addition to contributing to What Culture.
