Source: Daily_Mail
Head masters: Sportsmail remembers the strikers who used their head...
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United have needed more goals and new head boy Wayne Rooney has duly obliged by adapting his game. [LNB]In fact, the incredible transformation inhis aerial ability is no better highlighted by his recent record.[LNB] Ahead of the rest: Rooney's Cup winner was his ninth headed goal this season[LNB]Rooney has scored seven out of his last eight goals withhis head and nine in total for the season - more than double his previous career tally of four.[LNB]As the in-form England star continues to put his headers in the headlines, Sportsmail takes a look at strikers we remember best for their aerial prowess...[LNB] [LNB]Alan Shearer'Shear Magic' put his spell on Premier League defenders for years usinghis power and strength to great effect. [LNB]The former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle hero scored many memorable headed goals during hiscareer, notably when he put England ahead against Germany in that Euro '96 semi-final defeat at Wembley.[LNB]VIDEO: Shear magic...And Sheaer's header for Newcastle against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, wasn't too bad either...[LNB] VIDEO: Head boy...[LNB]Henrik LarssonWith a sensation return of 174 goals in 221 games for Celtic, thefinest of those arguably came from his head. [LNB]Larsson's popped up when it mattered most for the Bhoys n the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, nodding two fantastic goals past Porto. Sadly for the Swede, Jose Mourinho's side went on to lift the trophy leaving Martin O'Neill's men to contemplate, 'what if?'[LNB][LNB]His international record was particularly impressive too, with his delightful diving header against Bulgaria at Euro 2004 voted as best goal of the Championships. [LNB][LNB]Dixie DeanWidely revered among the Goodison Park faithful as Everton's greatest ever player. At 5'10, he struck fear into the heart of defenders with his power and strength in the air. [LNB]Legend has it that Dean honed his heading skills by using a medicine ball in some practice sessions![LNB] Heads, I win: Dixie Dean outjumps Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Millington at Stamford Bridge to score for Everton in 1932[LNB]Dean scored a remarkable 473 goals in 502 first class games during his long career. So remarkable, in fact, after he was told he would never play football again in 1926, when he fractured his skull and jaw in a motorcycle accident. [LNB]John CharlesA figure of immense stature and a true gentleman. Charles was an expert in the air at both ends of the pitch; one of very few players who could be considered world-class in both the centre-back and centre-forward positions. [LNB]Glory days: Wales legend John Charles used his aerial prowess to get the better of England's Harry Johnston at Ninian Park[LNB]Despite the impressive physicality of the man, he held the amazing record of never been booked in his professional career, earning him the nickname 'The Gentle Giant'. [LNB]Charles maintained a spectacular scoring record throughout his career, celebrating more than one every other game.[LNB]But what will be most notable about Charles is the affection everyone in the game had for him. [LNB]In 2004 Charles collapsed when visiting Juventus, a club where he spent five years of his career. The club displayed their eternal affection for the man by flying him immediately back to Leeds in a private jet where he passed away peacefully.[LNB]Gerhard MullerOne of the most complete footballers of all time, at height of only 5'9 his ability to score headed goals often beggared belief. [LNB]Without doubt one of the greatest marksman of all time, with a record of 68 goals in 62 appearances - placing him eighth of the all time international scoring charts. [LNB]Arguably his most famous header was his second goal in 'The Game of the Century' in the 1970 World Cup Semi-Final 4-3 defeat to Italy, when five goals were scored in extra time. [LNB]It was Muller's header which levelled the tie 3-3. Take a look for yourselves... [LNB][LNB] Rooney heading for place among Man United greats, lauds proud boss FergieHead boy Wayne Rooney admits two-goal Milan show was his best away from Old TraffordWayne Rooney insists he'll be fit for England despite aggravating knee in Manchester United Carling Cup triumph [LNB]
