Scotland is a vibrant and passionate football country that has attracted various talents over the years. The Scottish Premier League has been home to some very great talent, both foreign and local, over the years. Today we want to take a look at some of the best footballers to have ever played in a Scottish football club.
Here are the best players to have played in Scotland.
1. Henrik Larsson – Celtic
Arguably one of the greatest players ever to grace the shores of Scotland. The former Swedish international striker joined Scottish Celtic FC in 1997. During his 8-year stint at the Glasgow-based club, Larsson scored an incredible 242 goals in 315 appearances for the Bhoys. This amazing feat earned him numerous individual awards and a litany of domestic league and cup titles. No doubt Henrik’s time at Celtic cemented his legendary status in the minds of football lovers in Scotland when he was voted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.
2. Stiliyan Petrov – Celtic
The gifted Bulgarian attacking midfielder was another foreign import who made his name at Glasgow giants Celtic. Petrov played about 8 seasons across 7 years. Stiliyan scored 64 goals over 224 appearances for the Hoops, winning four league and Scottish cup titles. Individually The former Bulgaria international was also named Scottish Player Football Association young player of the season for the 2000/2001 season.
3. Lorenzo Amoruso – Rangers
The former Italian youth international was a cult figure during his time with Scottish top club Glasgow Rangers FC. The rugged defender was a stabilizing presence at the back for Rangers during his 6 years with the club. Apart from his assured defensive performances, Amoruso was also able to score his fair share of goals netting 24 goals over 226 appearances. Lorenzo, during his time at Ibrox won the domestic treble on two occasions. Individually he was named into the Ranger’s hall of fame.
4. Virgil Van Dijk – Celtic
The Dutch defender made his name earlier in his career playing for Celtic. Virgil spent a very rewarding two seasons at Hampden Park, scoring 15 goals over 115 appearances. The Netherlands international also won two Scottish league titles and a solitary league cup. Individually he was named the Celtic player’s player of the year for the 2013-2014 campaign. He is said to be one of the best defenders of his generations.
5. Rudi Skacel – Hearts FC
The former Czech international midfielder is most remembered for his time at Scottish club Hearts FC. Over his two spells at the Scottish Premier League club, Rudi scored 48 goals over 109 games, helping them win two Scottish cup titles.
6. Mark Viduka – Celtic
Mark Viduka is an Australian legend, who was captain of the Australian national team who reached the Round of 16 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Celtic signed Viduka in December 1998 for £3.5 million, and played a full season at the club.
7. Nikica Jelavić – Rangers
The Croatian striker was a consistent goal scorer, who played in the Scottish League. Jelavić agreed to a £4 million move to Rangers on a four-year-deal in the summer transfer window of 2010. He won the Scottish Premier League and League that season.
8. Georgios Samaras – Celtic
The Greek striker is undoubtedly one of the best foreign players to have played in Scotland. Samaras was a tall striker, with great physical strength and goalscoring instincts. He played most of his club career at Celtic. Samaras left Manchester City to join Celtic on a loan deal, but he then signed a three-year contract with Celtic and was an instant hit at the club. Georgios Samaras won the Scottish Premier League four times with Celtic.
9. Shunsuke Nakamura – Celtic
Nakamura is widely regarded as one the best Asian footballers of all time. The Japanese had great vision, exquisite touch, and incredible free kick-taking abilities. The midfielder played for Celtic and was very instrumental to them, especially in the UEFA Champions League.
Notable Mentions:
- Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Rangers) – 1998–2001
- Kasper Schmeichel (Falkirk) – 2006–07
- Gennaro Gattuso (Rangers) — 1998–99
- Victor Wanyama (Celtic) – 2011–2013
- Ronald de Boer (Rangers) – 2000–04
- El Hadji Diouf (Rangers) – 2011
- Sone Aluko (Aberdeen and Rangers) – 2007–12
- Freddie Ljungberg (Celtic) – 2011
