Alan Shearer is probably the biggest no-brainer on this list. He holds the record for most goals in a season (34 in 42 game season and 31 in 38 game season) and he’s the all-time leading scorer in the history of the league. Most of all though, Shearer’s leadership ability is legendary. He would carry teams with less talent to the top of the table. He would make also-rans into contenders.
Shearer was named the 1995 & 1997 EPL Player of the Year. He will be best remembered though for leading Blackburn to its historic EPL title (historic because only three teams have won it since). In 1996, he left that squad for Newcastle where he played for 10 more years, scoring 148 league goals in just over 300 appearances. He is the league’s all-time leading goal scorer and one of its most popular players.
He also had a great international career, scoring more than 30 goals in just over 60 appearances. Shearer’s body began to break down late in his career though. I can imagine playing in over 800 games is hell on one’s knees. It’s a shame he couldn’t play anymore, but he’s done many charitable deeds since and overall he seems pleased with his legacy as one of world football’s biggest legends.
Shearer, like many former players, is now a TV pundit who waxes poetically about the game he played so well. He is constantly linked to available managerial positions, though he has thus far decided to avoid the stress of that position. I wish him the best of luck in whatever field he chooses. For now though, he’s clearly deserving of a place on this Best XI list.
