A Compilation Of A Prime Emile Heskey Proves He's One Of The Most Underrated Players Of All Time

He has more England caps (62) than Paul Gascoigne, Glenn Hoddle and Gareth Southgate. He won six major trophies during a successful 22 year career and in that time became Liverpool's record transfer, making over 150 appearances for the club in the early 2000's.

But for one reason or another, Emile Heskey's reputation has been tarnished over the years.

Admittedly, the 6ft 2inch striker wasn't the most technically gifted, nor was he clinical in front of goal. Heskey was, however, a defender's worst nightmare in terms of his strength, power and pace. He was the perfect target man, and helped Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney flourish for club and country with those famous flick ons.

So let's just forget the memes for a second and take a look at the real Emile Heskey - a talented forward who, on his day, could tear teams apart.

Someone who was a big fan of Heskey's work was Brazilian legend Rivaldo, who once suggested that he could have 'coped' in the Brazil national team.

"Heskey may be heavily criticised by some English fans but I don't see it like that," he told Liverpool's website in 2002.

"I played against him a couple of times for Barcelona against Liverpool in the Champions League and realised what a quality player he is. It wasn't long before I began thinking what weight of character and strength Heskey possessed.

"I told the other players [in Brazil] how dangerous he was. I admire the way he attacks the Premiership.

"So when you ask me which Englishman I think would be able to cope with playing in my team, Brazil, I say Heskey."

Image: PA

Image: PA

Speaking to talkSPORT, Heskey recalled his experience of playing against Brazil and said that Rivaldo picked him for the national team over other England stars.

"We played against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup and Rivaldo did a piece, who out of the England team would get in the Brazil side He picked me... I was fine with that!" he said.

"I knew I could [fit into that Brazil team well], but I was ridiculed for it.

Let's put some respect on Emile Heskey's name. After all, he scored more than 150 career goals and gave some of the world's best a headache.

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Goals

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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