Emile Heskey has, in recent years, been the laughing stock of the Premier League. It was evident that the aged, weary, cumbersome striker could not handle the pace of England’s top flight and many fans betting on soccer were wondering if his once-promising career was now coming to an end.
After developing into a lethal predator at Leicester City, his partnership with Michael Owen at Liverpool flourished, as England call-ups and trophy success came his way.
In the early 2000s, Heskey was one of the meanest strikers in England, netting for fun as Liverpool careered to a mini treble in the 2001 season, clinching the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup in one year.
Yet, as age caught up with him, Heskey found Premier League goals hard to come by, and his performances at the 2010 World Cup for England effectively ruined any reputation left in the UK.
After a final, meek season at Aston Villa, Heskey decided enough was enough and headed to Australia this pre-season; many thought his exile would be the end of his career.
However, having joined the Newcastle Jets, Heskey has suddenly found his feet again and, after five goals in eight games, Jets fans and A League betting pundits have already found a chant for their new striker.
“You are Heskey’s b***h” is now the choice chant thrown at opposition defences, many of whom struggle in vain to hold off Heskey’s dominating strength and mesmeric first touch.
The forward often derided in the Premier League for being ineffectual at leading the line has terrorised A-League defences already this season; no one in Australia matches his conversion rate.
A-League teams ought be wary of Heskey as the season continues into the summer, with more defences destined to fall under his spell.
