Ten all-time proficient penalty-takers after Cabaye conversions
Published:
Lee Gormley | October 19, 2015
Yohan Cabaye proves penalty prowess
Crystal Palace’s impressive capturing of France international Yohan Cabaye is continuing to pay-off with goals, as the midfield maestro recently dispatched his third consecutive penalty in as many matches against West Ham United.
The Frenchman’s third successive spot-kick in three top-flight outings wasn’t enough to earn any points against the Hammers, but his clinical ability from 12 yards continues to frustrate opposition goalkeepers.
10 other all-time spot-kick kings
Graham Alexander
This former Preston and Burnley defender was a timeless penalty-taker, with his right foot able to tuck the ball past any shot-stopper with ease during a 22-year career.
Mario Balotelli
Despite his Premier League struggles with Liverpool, who are 12/5 with Coral for a top four finish, former Manchester City forward Balotelli had one astute skill that rarely failed to let him down.
The Italian frontman, currently at AC Milan for a second spell, is deadly from the spot and never missed a single penalty during his time in England, with former teammate Joe Hart confessing his struggles to deny him in training too.
Alan Shearer
As the Premier League’s all-time scorer, Coral ambassador Shearer was also gifted from 12 yards, with his penalty approach being to strike the ball with pure power, almost ripping nets to shreds in the process.
Fernando Hierro
One of the game’s most illustrious defenders, Hierro also had a clinical eye for goal from the spot! The Spaniard was a true threat from set-pieces, impressively netting over 100 La Liga strikes for Real Madrid and previously holding his nation’s all-time scoring record for a brief period.
Matt Le Tissier
Arguably the greatest ever penalty taker. Le Tissier had a staggering conversion rate, only ever missing from the spot once in his entire career for Southampton. He could place the ball absolutely anywhere with the utmost ease.
Zinedine Zidane
Zizou was cool, composed and majestic during his playing days, and just as effective from the penalty spot as he was in open play. Zidane stepped up many times for Madrid and France to show nerves of steel by dispatching from the spot in some of the most crucial games for club and country, including the 2006 World Cup final.
Dennis Irwin
Likeable Irishman Irwin was most renowned for his successful time at Old Trafford, but he also enjoyed three season at Leeds United, becoming somewhat of a penalty-specialist.
Frank Lampard
England’s most reliable spot-kick taker from recent times, albeit from a poor bunch. The former Chelsea midfielder possessed the perfect balance of power and placement, taking four steps forward before unleashing a calculate drive into the corner. Trademark Lampard.
Rickie Lambert
The former Saints striker is ruthless from the spot, with his penalty heroics having helped Southampton march from League One to the Premier League in two years.
West Bromwich Albion will hope Lambert can blast a few penalties in on the West Midlands this term and they are 11/2 to secure a top 10 finish.
Rogerio Ceni
Sao Paulo legend Ceni has found the net over 100 times in his career, despite being a goalkeeper. The numbers speak for themselves.
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