‘Best striker in the Premier League’: Sheringham makes bold Haaland-Isak claim
Teddy Sheringham has placed Alexander Isak above Erling Haaland in his ranking of the Premier League’s best strikers, backing the Liverpool forward to challenge for the Golden Boot.
Former England and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has sparked a fresh debate over the Premier League’s best No.9 after putting Liverpool forward Alexander Isak ahead of Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland.
Sheringham’s verdict is particularly notable given Haaland’s extraordinary scoring record since arriving in England. The Norway international has already scored five league goals this season, while Isak has four, according to the Premier League’s latest statistics.
But for Sheringham, judging a striker is about more than simply counting goals.
Why Sheringham prefers Isak
The former England international believes Isak’s movement, finishing and ability to find space make him a more complete centre-forward.
Isak endured a difficult first season at Liverpool following his big-money arrival from Newcastle, with injuries restricting his impact. His current campaign, however, has offered a very different picture.
The Sweden international has already scored four times in five Premier League appearances, including the decisive goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth before the September international break.
Sheringham believes the 27-year-old has rediscovered the sharpness that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Erling Haaland still has the numbers
The argument for Haaland remains difficult to ignore. His five league goals currently put him top of the Premier League scoring chart, one ahead of Isak.
The Manchester City striker has also established himself as one of the division’s most prolific goalscorers since moving to England, making Sheringham’s preference more of a judgement on style and overall centre-forward play than pure statistical output.
The debate could soon have a direct answer on the pitch.Liverpool are scheduled to host Manchester City on 11 October, putting Isak and Haaland on opposite sides in a meeting that could provide another chapter in the growing battle between two of the Premier League’s elite strikers.
