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Alejandro Garnacho's Scintillating Strike Has Premier League Fans Pondering: What's the Best Overhead Kick Goal Ever?
The Manchester United phenom ripped a brilliant bicycle goal in the Red Devils’ 3-0 rout over Everton.
Elite footballers must have a smorgasbord of brilliant, individual moves in their arsenal to elevate themselves among a crowded field of superb talent. And even then, only the rarest breed of players is bestowed the gift of having a signature moved named after them.
Adored by Lionel Messi and Ronaldo alike, the Cruyff Turn, named after Dutchman Johan Cruyff, is responsible for many a broken ankle since its debut deployment in the 1974 World Cup match between Netherlands and Sweden. Perfected by Brazilian dribbling mastermind Ronaldinho Gaúcho, the Ronaldinho Skill or Elastico is the type of slick touch that leaves defenders flushed with embarrassment, while the theatrical roulette of the Maradona has been shredding up backlines since legendary Argentine talisman Diego Maradona mastered it nearly half a century ago.
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That said, there’s still nothing quite as majestic as a properly executed, goal-scoring bicycle kick. Though others have utilized the acrobatic maneuver, what Alejandro Garnacho accomplished with his overhead smash in Manchester United’s 3-0 drubbing against Everton in the English Premier League on Sunday might just go down as the purest example of the move’s resplendent beauty.
How did Alejandro Garnacho's flawless goal-scoring bicycle kick come together against Everton?
In just the third minute of the match, Victor Lindelof served up a beauty of a long ball to Marcus Rashford on the flank, deep into the Toffees’ territory. The 26-year-old English forward flicked it to Diogo Dalot, who hit a near-perfect out-swinging cross from the backline — but the real magic had yet to manifest. Garnacho, who had been probing the box, came out several steps to track the ball down and, without taking his eye off the ball, timed his leap for the sensational overhead smash.
Garnacho’s spectacular strike has ignited the web with fans clambering to find something that will stand up to what pundit and former player Gary Neville hailed as “the most beautiful overhead kick” scored in the Premier League, so here are a few favorites to go toe-to-toe with that of Erik ten Hag’s flying Red Devil.
Christian Benteke – 2015
During a 2015 match against Manchester United, Belgian striker Christian Benteke ripped a rocketing overhead missile for Liverpool that must be acknowledged. The blistering pace of the shot and pinpoint accuracy to bury it far post was “absolutely sublime.”
Dimitar Berbatov – 2010
Another Red Devil joins Garnacho on the list with Dimitar Berbatov’s strike against Liverpool. Known for his brilliant technique, the Bulgarian striker corralled a cross from Nani off his thigh before hitting an overhead strike off the crossbar for the goal, freezing the keeper right where he stood.
Emre Can – 2017
It’s hard to find many goals like that of Emre Can’s flying scissor kick score for Liverpool against Watford in 2017. Can was cutting into the penalty box when the cross came, yet somehow, he managed to torque his body around and hit the mesmerizing curler that later earned the midfielder the Premier League Goal of the Season for 2016/2017.
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Andy Carroll – 2017
Andy Carroll had a cannon attached to his left leg, and he was not afraid to use it. While up 1-0 against Crystal Palace in 2017, the Englishman cranked out a laser, beating the goalie near post, upper 90 in West Ham’s 3-0 trouncing of the Eagles.
Diomansy Kamara – 2007
After a throw-in ping-ponged through the defense of Tottenham Hotspur, Diomansy Kamara, in traffic, followed the ball’s trajectory before hitting a high-arching moon shot past the keeper. The late strike powered Fulham to a 3-3 draw to the Spurs.
Wayne Rooney – 2011
What list of the most spectacular bicycle kicks would be complete without the jaw-dropper that Wayne Rooney hammered home at Old Trafford to lift Man United to a 2-1 win over the Citizens? Easy – none. Even the hearty sound of the strike is something to behold.
Amr Zaki – 2008
While it was technically more of a cross-body style scorpion kick and not an overhead blast, Wigan’s electric Egyptian striker Amr Zaki hit an unfathomable strike against Liverpool, but Wigan would ultimately fall to the Reds 3-2.
Because replay videos of Garnacho’s overhead stunner continue to send Premier League fans (and the internet for that matter) into a tizzy, you can now cast your vote for the best-ever Premier League overhead goal. Will the legendary Rooney steal the emerging superstar Garnacho’s thunder, or will some other pitch wizard earn his flowers? Cast your vote now on the English Premier League website.
