Rasmus Holjund and other strikers with the longest waits for their first Premier League goals
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Strikers with the longest waits for their first goal || Imago

Rasmus Holjund and other strikers with the longest waits for their first Premier League goals

Stephen Oladehinde 13:50 - 27.12.2023

In the competitive world of the Premier League, strikers often face immense pressure to score. Some, however, endure prolonged periods before netting their first goal.

This article delves into the strikers who had the longest waits for their first Premier League goal.

David McGoldrick (14 Games)

David McGoldrick's journey in the Premier League with Sheffield United was marked by hard work and close chances. Despite his strong performances, he struggled to convert opportunities into goals during his initial 14 games, highlighting the challenges strikers can face even when in good form.

David McGoldrick || Imago
David McGoldrick || Imago

Joelinton (14 Games)

Joelinton's transition to the Premier League with Newcastle United came with a hefty price tag and high expectations. His 14-game goal drought was a testament to the adjustment challenges faced by players moving to a new league, especially under the pressure of a significant transfer fee.

Joelinton || Imago
Joelinton || Imago

Christian Benteke (14 Games)

Christian Benteke, once a feared striker at Aston Villa, faced a slump in form after moving to Liverpool. His 14-game goalless streak in the Premier League was indicative of how a change in team and injuries can impact a player's performance.

Christian Benteke || Imago
Christian Benteke || Imago

Rasmus Hojlund (14 Games)

After making a £72 million move from Atalanta in Italy, Rasmus Holjlund found himself struggling to score his first goal in the Premier League. 

The 20-year-old scored in the UEFA Champions League, but things were not working out on the domestic scene. His 14-game goalless streak finally came to an end when he scored the winner in a 3-2 comeback win for the Red Devils against Aston Villa at Old Trafford. 

Rasmus Hojlund of Man United || Imago
Rasmus Hojlund of Man United || Imago

Matej Vydra (15 Games)

Matej Vydra, playing for Burnley, found his opportunities limited, being a secondary choice behind established strikers. His 15-game wait for a Premier League goal underscores the difficulty of maintaining form and confidence when playing time is sporadic.

Matej Vydra || Imago
Matej Vydra || Imago

Yoshinori Muto (16 Games)

Yoshinori Muto's move from Mainz to Newcastle United was a significant step in his career. However, adapting to the Premier League's pace and style proved challenging, as evidenced by his 16-game wait to find the back of the net.

Yoshinori Muto || Wikipedia
Yoshinori Muto || Wikipedia

Oumar Niasse (19 Games)

Oumar Niasse's time in the Premier League, especially during his loan at Cardiff City, was challenging. His 19-game goal drought is reflective of the struggles players can face in adapting to different team dynamics and league pressures.

Oumar Niasse || Imago
Oumar Niasse || Imago

Dominic Solanke (25 Games)

Dominic Solanke's transition from youth football to the Premier League, playing for Liverpool and Bournemouth, was not smooth. 

His 25-game wait for a goal illustrates the gap between youth and senior level football, and the time it can take for young talents to find their footing.

Dominic Solanke || Imago
Dominic Solanke || Imago

Andy Carroll (25 Games)

Andy Carroll's career, particularly his time at West Ham and Newcastle, was hindered by injuries and high expectations. His 25-game stretch without a goal in the Premier League serves as a reminder of how physical setbacks and the weight of big transfers can affect a player's performance.

Andy Carroll || Imago
Andy Carroll || Imago