Soccer

Five legendary strikers who turned out for Portsmouth

DAZN News

DAZN

Derby County are set to host Portsmouth in a Championship clash at Pride Park on Friday evening.

Although it takes place in the Championship, these are two sides with big histories and glorious Premier League pasts.

Both sides have been home to some big-name stars, and as much as they are struggling in 17th and 21st places on the Championship table, respectively, it hasn't always been the case.

With that in mind, lets cast our minds back to look at five big-name strikers to have worn the famous blue jersey of Portsmouth.

1. Nwankwo Kanu

Although he is probably best remembered for his time at Arsenal, Nigerian legend Nwankwo Kanu joined Portsmouth in 2006 and became an iconic figure during his time at the club.

He stayed on the south coast for six years and played 143 games for Pompey - more than for any other club.

A serial winner, Kanu arrived at Fratton Park having won the Champions League with Ajax and the Premier League with Arsenal. By the time he left Portsmouth he had added the FA Cup to his haul - scoring the match-winner in the 2008 final against Cardiff City where he was also named Man of the Match.

Known for his exceptional technique and flair, Kanu scored 20 goals for Portsmouth, but it was his leadership and ability to deliver in big moments that earned him a place in the hearts of Pompey fans.

2. Yakubu Aiyegbeni

Yakubu was a player who got around a bit, playing for no fewer than 15 clubs over the course of his career.

He first appeared on Premier League radars after a prolific spell in Israel that saw him bang in 38 goals in 49 appearances for Maccabi Haifa.

A move to Portsmouth followed where his good form continued. While he spent just two seasons at Fratton Park from 2003 to 2005, he made 81 appearances and scored 35 goals before moving to Middlesbrough.

The powerful Nigerian helped the team secure promotion to the Premier League. His combination of strength, speed, and clinical finishing made him a fan favorite and a standout performer.

3. Peter Crouch

Another player with a lot of clubs on his resume, Peter Crouch had two spells at Portsmouth, first in the early 2000s and later in 2008.

The towering striker, who played 42 times for England played a pivotal role in helping Portsmouth qualify for the group stages of the 2008/09 UEFA Cup.

Crouch's contributions in the Premier League and his partnership with Jermain Defoe were highlights of his second stay on the south coast.

4. Jermain Defoe

One of the most prolific strikers of his generation, Jermain Defoe joined Portsmouth in 2008 and made an immediate impact, becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first five home games.
It was manager Harry Redknapp, under whom Defoe had played at West Ham, who brought the diminutive striker to Pompey, and it was Redknapp who Defoe followed again when the manager moved to Tottenham.

Despite his short stint at the club, Defoe scored 15 goals in 31 appearances and is fondly remembered for his contribution and his partnership with Crouch.

5. Teddy Sheringham

Teddy Sheringham, a veteran of the game, brought his wealth of experience to Portsmouth in the 2003-04 season.

Although in the twilight of his career, Sheringham's intelligence, movement, and composure were evident.

The striker, who played 51 times for England, played a key role in stabilizing Pompey in their early Premier League days, scoring nine goals in his single season at the club.

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