The 5 Best Attacking Duos That Defined English Football As Haaland and De Bruyne Crush Luton

When it clicks, strike partnerships epitomise the beauty of football. This sentiment rings true for Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne whenever Pep Guardiola pairs them up for Manchester City.

The duo display remarkable synergy, constantly seeking each other out in the final third, capitalising on their connection to score goals and celebrate together. Witnessing a forward pair dismantle defences with such fluidity is a sight to behold.

Throughout football history, specifically the Premier League, numerous striking duos have left an enduring mark on the game. Their impact is so profound that it's difficult to discuss one without mentioning the other.

Haaland and De Bruyne destroy Luton

The collaboration between the prolific Norwegian striker and the creative Belgian playmaker has been nothing short of seamless and devastating.

Their partnership played a pivotal role in City's commanding 6-2 victory over Luton in the Emirates FA Cup, showcasing why opponents should fear them.

The pair were ruthlessly efficient, with Haaland netting five of City's six goals, assisted by De Bruyne for four of those strikes, as noted by the BBC.

The 5 best attacking pair in EPL history

On the back of this, Sports Brief reflects on the greatest attacking duos that have etched their names into the Premier League history before the emergence of the Haaland and De Bruyne partnership.

5. Harry Kane and Heung-min Son

For eight years, Kane and Son graced the field together at Tottenham, forging one of the Premier League's most potent two-man alliances.

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Their combined efforts resulted in 47 goals, establishing them as the deadliest duo in the league's 31-year history.

Their contributions are deeply woven into Spurs' modern narrative, with a staggering 435 goals scored between them for the club.

However, with the England captain's departure to Bayern Munich, Kane embarks on a new chapter, while Son remains committed to leading Tottenham's charge.

4. Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp

This duo's partnership began in the summer of 1998 when Thierry Henry moved to Arsenal from Juventus, as cited by 90Min.

It continued until 2006, when Dennis Bergkamp retired from football. During their tenure, Arsenal secured two Premier League titles, not forgetting the remarkable Invincible campaign in the 2003–04 season, and three FA Cup trophies.

It's both poignant and fitting that Arsenal struggled to regain their former glory after Bergkamp's departure. Despite being individually gifted, their combined talents elevated their effectiveness on the pitch.

3. Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole

Just edging out Henry and Bergkamp, Yorke and Cole formed a formidable partnership for Manchester United.

During the 1998/99 season, they amassed a total of 53 goals, proving instrumental as the Red Devils secured the historic treble, a feat unmatched by any English side until Manchester City replicated it in the 2022–23 campaign.

While they might not have been the scorers in the final, United heavily relied on their consistent goal-scoring throughout the season.

2. Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson seems to have a way of cracking the attacking pair code. After Yorke and Cole, the legendary manager created another formidable bond between Ronaldo and Rooney.

Their synergy was evident as they operated seamlessly, complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses perfectly at Manchester United.

This partnership propelled the Red Devils to dominance in the Premier League and culminated in their victory in the 2008 Champions League.

However, in the present day, the once harmonious relationship between the two seems strained, per GOAL.

1. Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard

Before the era of attacking trios took over football, there were iconic duos, and the exploits of Haaland and De Bruyne evoked memories of the legendary partnership between Drogba and Lampard.

According to All Football, Drogba and Lampard formed a formidable midfield-attacker duo for eight years at Chelsea, reaching their pinnacle with victory in the 2012 Champions League final.

Throughout their careers, Lampard and Drogba combined for a total of 36 Premier League goals, holding the record for the highest number of strikes produced by a single pair of players in the division until Kane and Son surpassed their tally.

Haaland, KDB combine to crush Luton

Sports Brief also reported on Haaland of Manchester City delivering a stunning performance, scoring five goals as the FA Cup holders dominated Luton with a 6-2 victory in the fifth round on Tuesday.

This marked the second occasion Haaland achieved such a feat for City, following his memorable display in the Champions League last 16 second leg against RB Leipzig in March 2023.