Football, a sport deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the UK, has seen countless players rise to fame through their extraordinary skills and contributions on the pitch. Among these players, a unique group stands out for their ability to change the course of a game from the sidelines—the super subs.
These players, often starting on the bench, have a knack for making a significant impact when called upon. Turning the tide of matches and securing crucial victories for their teams. Our idea is to explore some of the game-changing moments and notable performances these super subs have provided and highlight these footballers individually and the legacy they leave behind.
The Role of a Super Sub
The role of a super sub is unique in football. Unlike regular starters, these players often enter matches with fresh legs and a different mindset. Allowing them to exploit tired defences. Their ability to perform under pressure can turn the tide of a game, making them invaluable assets for their teams.
This phenomenon has been observed across various leagues and competitions, particularly in high-stakes matches where every moment counts. Some of the most notable players include the following ones.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Nicknamed the “Baby-Faced Assassin,” Solskjær is often regarded as the greatest super sub in football history. During his time at Manchester United (1996-2007), he scored 28 goals as a substitute. Including the iconic winner in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.
Coming on in the dying moments of the match, he poked home a header to secure a 2-1 victory and complete United’s historic treble that season.
David Fairclough
Fairclough earned his reputation as Liverpool’s original super sub during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He scored 18 goals from the bench in his career. Memorable contributions including an 88th-minute winner against Everton in a Merseyside Derby. Not to mention all the crucial strikes across various European competitions. His knack for scoring late goals made him a fan favourite at Anfield.
Jermain Defoe
A prolific striker known for his sharp finishing, Defoe scored 24 of his 162 Premier League goals after coming off the bench. Setting a competition record which he still holds. His ability to find the net late in matches was instrumental for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland throughout his career. Notably, he scored twice in just 45 minutes during his debut for England against Andorra in 2009.
Divock Origi
Origi became a cult hero at Liverpool due to his impactful performances as a substitute. He scored crucial goals in high-pressure situations. But the most memorable ones are the two against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final comeback. Also another in the final against Tottenham Hotspur. His ability to deliver when it mattered most solidified his status as one of Liverpool’s most beloved players.
Olivier Giroud
The French forward has been effective both as a starter and a substitute throughout his career. At Arsenal, Giroud scored many vital goals after being introduced from the bench. Particularly during his final season when he netted five times as a substitute. His experience and physical presence make him an ideal player to bring on when teams need to change their attacking approach.
Javier Hernández
Known as “Chicharito,” Hernández made his mark at Manchester United as an exceptional super sub. With 19 goals as a substitute in Premier League history, he shares the all-time record for winning goals from the bench. His knack for finding the net when coming off the bench made him an invaluable asset during his time at Old Trafford. In some people’s eyes, he became the very embodiment of Ole Gunnar Solskjær during his time with the Red Devils.
Nwankwo Kanu
The Nigerian striker earned cult status at Arsenal between 1999 and 2004. Mainly due to his ability to score important goals from the bench. Kanu netted 17 times as a substitute during his career. Important moments include match-winning strikes against rivals like Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa.
Oliver Bierhoff
Bierhoff is best remembered for his contributions to the German national team. Particularly during Euro ’96 where he scored both the equaliser and Golden Goal against the Czech Republic in the final. His ability to perform under pressure made him one of Germany’s most reliable substitutes.
Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge’s time at Liverpool showcased his talent for scoring crucial goals after being brought on as a substitute. He netted 17 times from this position during his Premier League career. While his career didn’t end up as it should, his skilful play and clinical finishing helped solidify Liverpool’s attacking prowess during his tenure with the Reds.
Wout Weghorst
The imposing Dutch striker made headlines during the 2022 World Cup by scoring twice after coming off the bench against Argentina in a thrilling quarter-final match that ended in penalties. Weghorst’s ability to impact games late on has continued into club competitions, demonstrating his value as a super sub. Unfortunately, he failed in the Premier League both at Man Utd and Burnley, but had a lot of success at Wolfsburg and now at Ajax.
Tore André Flo
Signed by Chelsea for just £300,000, Flo quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge due to his knack for scoring crucial goals off the bench. Throughout his time at Chelsea (1997-2000), he scored 50 goals in 163 appearances, with half coming from substitute appearances. His ability to create attacking plays and find the back of the net made him an essential part of Chelsea’s squad during that period.
Luis Muriel
The Colombian striker has had the best time of his playing career at Atalanta. In Serie A, where he carved out a reputation as one of Europe’s best super subs. In the 2019/20 season alone, Muriel averaged a goal every 41 minutes when coming off the bench, scoring 11 times from this position out of his total of 18 league goals that season. His remarkable efficiency makes him one of the most underrated players of his generation.
Memorable Matches Featuring Super Subs
Several matches have showcased the brilliance of super subs:
- 1999 UEFA Champions League Final: Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s late goal secured Manchester United’s treble, marking him as an all-time great super sub.
- Liverpool vs Barcelona (2019): Divock Origi scored two crucial goals after coming off the bench, leading Liverpool to an incredible comeback victory.
- Euro 2000 Final: David Trezeguet’s extra-time goal helped France clinch victory over Italy, demonstrating how substitutes can shine on international stages.
- Euro 1996 Final: Oliver Bierhoff’s late equalizer and Golden Goal secured Germany’s victory over the Czech Republic.
- 2014 FIFA World Cup Final: Although not a traditional super sub, Götze’s introduction in the World Cup final against Argentina proved decisive. His extra-time goal secured Germany’s fourth World Cup title, showcasing the impact a substitute can have on the biggest stage.
Best Super Super Subs in Terms of Numbers
Jermain Defoe leads the Premier League with 24 goals scored as a substitute, followed by Olivier Giroud with 21 and Javier Hernández with 19. Nwankwo Kanu and Ole Gunnar Solskjær each netted 17 goals from the bench, while Daniel Sturridge contributed 17 as well. Peter Crouch scored 16 times, and Danny Welbeck added 15.
Notable players like Tore André Flo, Robbie Keane, Michael Owen, Andrew Cole, Darren Bent, Victor Anichebe, Edin Džeko, Marcus Rashford, James Milner, Sergio Agüero, and Romelu Lukaku also made significant impacts as substitutes, each scoring between 12 and 13 goals.
This list underscores the vital role that super subs play in influencing match outcomes and their overall value to their teams.
