5 Of the greatest goalscoring centre-backs in football history

#1 Ronald Koeman (253 Goals)

Clubs: Groningen, Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, FC Barcelona, Feyenoord

Koeman's goals were legendary in terms of quality and number

Before becoming manager at Valencia, Everton and the Dutch national team, there was Koeman the player; fantastic centreback and a great goalscorer. Possessing a magic wand of a left foot, a lot of pundits felt the Dutch star was wasted in defence.

He was one of the ball-playing defenders whose style of passing out from the back and relying on intelligence to make timely interceptions rather than brawn became something of a template for future defenders.

Nicknamed Tintin for his hair’s uncanny resemblance to the cartoon character’s, Koeman was immaculate in tackling, read the game well and was excellent aerially. However, his skill set always gave watchers that he could do a decent job further up the pitch.

Perhaps he could have played more as a defensive midfielder. Maybe he would have been more than decent in a central midfield role. What was never in doubt was his goalscoring.

Unlike the likes of Ramos and Passarella, Koeman didn't just score headers and penalties. His amazing left foot had curves even fashion models dream of. He had an amazing record from freekicks and screamers from outside the penalty area.

Cules will always remember the freekick which won Barcelona its first ever European Cup (UEFA Champions League) in 1992. The extra-time screamer against Sampdoria at Wembley Stadium was the catalyst for the club's current status in European football.