The best long range shooters in the Premier League are Liverpool forwards, but the Anfield pair have some great players attempting similarly brilliant goals from range.
10. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Goals scored from outside box: 3
It’s fair to say that Eden Hazard has made a big step up this season, with Jose Mourinho challenging the Belgian flyer to put himself in the running for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.
Hazard is Chelsea’s top scorer and top assisting player, and his three goals from outside the area prove just how well he is leading the side this season.
9. Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea City)
Goals scored from outside box: 3
Jonjo Shelvey is a more direct player than most in Swansea City’s team, and the former Liverpool midfielder is unafraid to shoot on sight.
Shelvey is the Swans’ second most productive player this season, with only top scorer Wilfried Bony directly involved in more goals than the 21 year-old Englishman, who has four goals and three assists this term.
With three of his four scores coming from outside the area, perhaps Swansea should be working Shelvey into space on the edge of the box more often.
8. Gary Hooper (Norwich City)
Goals scored from outside box: 3
Gary Hooper has been the more prolific of Norwich City’s summer striker signings, with Ricky Van Wolfswinkel failing to link up with colleagues and looking far from assured.
Hooper’s three strikes from outside the area are an impressive tally, and the English forward’s form and fitness could play a big part in the Canaries’ hopes of survival.
7. Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City)
Goals scored from outside box: 3
Manchester City boast four brilliant strikers, and Alvaro Negredo has been a wonderful signing this season.
The Spain international is ideally suited to the Premier League, with his dogged pressing, strong link-up play and cool finishing all key attributes.
His powerful shooting from distance too has contributed to his considerable tally.
6. Kevin Mirallas (Everton)
Goals scored from outside box: 3
Kevin Mirallas has been the shining light of Everton’s season so far, with the Belgian flyer’s virtuoso performances on the wing and up front a key aspect of the Toffees’ free flowing football under Roberto Martinez.
Mirallas has scored three strikes from range with his powerful but accurate shooting, and opposition defences will need to close him down quicker if they are to stop him.
5. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
Goals scored from outside box: 3
Wayne Rooney broke on to the world stage with a brilliant curling strike from outside the area for Everton against Arsenal at the age of 16, and the England international’s long distance shooting continues to form a major part of his game.
Rooney typically plays in the hole, just behind the striker, and taking that position often sees him find space on the edge of the box.
4. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Goals scored from outside box: 4
Yaya Toure is now one of the very best free kick takers in world football, with all four of his strikes from distance coming from dead ball situations.
The big Ivorian is a huge threat from open play, with his powerful running near unstoppable at times, but delays his shot until he is within eighteen yards of the goal to give himself a greater chance of finding the back of the net.
3. Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United until January 2014)
Goals scored from outside box: 4
Yohan Cabaye transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in the January transfer window, but was the heartbeat of the Newcastle United side in the first half of the season.
He remains their second highest goalscorer in the Premier League this term, and third highest assister, and the France international’s impeccably clean ball striking has proved the undoing of many of the Magpies’ rivals.
PSG will surely soon see similar success from their new man soon.
2. Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Goals scored from outside box: 4
Daniel Sturridge has scored 15 goals in 15 Premier League starts this season, and the England forward’s willingness to shoot has been one of the main factors in Liverpool’s ascent up the table.
Sturridge’s distance shooting has long been a facet of his game, and Brendan Rodgers has seen his striker score curling beauties, stunning lobs and powerful screamers.
1. Luis Suarez (Liverpool)
Goals scored from outside box: 7
Luis Suarez has been the finest player in the Premier League this season, and has scored a sensational 23 goals in 20 games for Liverpool in the top flight.
The Uruguay international is a prolific shooter from long range, firing in free kicks and monstrous half volleys, and part of his brilliance is his ability to fashion a scoring chance from absolutely anywhere.