Wayne Rooney and the 10 Most Dangerous Strikers in the English Premier League

Heading into the 2011-12 season, the English Premier League has dozens of great strikers. Each team can claim a very good scorer, and some have the luxury of multiple scorers.

Still, when a team desperately needs a goal, which of these players are most likely to deliver? Some people prefer different styles, but certain players just get results.

I have ranked the 10 most dangerous strikers in the EPL for the upcoming season. Obviously, there is still time for someone to be transferred in or out, but as of August 10th, these are my selections. Feel free to let me know what you think about my rankings!

10. Asamoah Gyan, Sunderland

Asamoah Gyan scored 10 goals in his first EPL season. If Sunderland want to finish in the top half of the table again, Gyan needs to improve those numbers.

With Darren Bent gone, Sunderland are looking for a new striker who can consistently finish in front of the net. Gyan wasn't the most consistent player last year, but he scored some good goals for Steve Bruce's side.

Gyan is capable of scoring 15 goals. Unfortunately, Sunderland might be asking for a few more goals in order to compete.

9. Andy Carroll, Liverpool

Andy Carroll is one of the biggest and strongest strikers in the EPL. If he can put together a full season, he might become an elite scorer.

Carroll has a great work ethic, and he can exhaust even the best defenders. With his size, speed and passion, Carroll causes a lot of havoc around the box. Plus, he is now playing for one of the best attacking teams in the league: Liverpool.

Carroll has all the right tools. If he can keep his head on straight, I have no doubt that he will be an elite striker for years to come.

8. Peter Odemwingie, West Bromwich Albion

Before last season, not many people knew who Peter Odemwingie was.

Now, they will remember the name.

Odemwingie had 15 goals in his EPL debut season, and he was a major part in keeping West Bromwich Albion up. Without him, the Baggies would probably have been in the relegation zone from weeks one through 36.

Odemwingie is a poacher. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Defenders can't take their eyes off him for even a second. He is too dangerous.

It will be interesting to see how Odemwingie follows up his great season. I wouldn't be surprised if his goal total was closer to 20 this year. We'll just have to wait and see.

7. Sergio Aguero, Manchester City

Sergio Aguero is the first and only transfer on this list, and he deserves to be.

In the last four seasons, Aguero tallied 68 league goals for Atletico Madrid. Those numbers are ridiculous.

Aguero is a very creative player, and he can turn nothing into something quickly. He is a pure goal scorer, and he can find the net at all times.

It may take him a few matches to get accustomed to the English game. However, once that grace period is over, Aguero will go on a tear. He can score goals in bunches, and he could make Manchester City a legitimate threat to win the league.

6. Didier Drogba, Chelsea

Although he is 33 years old, Didier Drogba is still one of the best strikers in the EPL.

He is one of the most powerful players in the world, and he takes some of the most dangerous free kicks in the league. If he didn't like to dive so much, I'm sure more non-Chelsea fans would love to watch him play.

Regardless, Drogba can find the back of the net. He is a two-time winner of the Golden Boot, and he has scored nearly 100 league goals in a Chelsea jersey.

Although he is slowing down a tad, Drogba can still play. Given the opportunity, he can still score 20 goals in the league this season.

5. Darren Bent, Aston Villa

Darren Bent used to fly under the radar.

Not anymore.

While he was at Tottenham and Sunderland, Bent was scoring lots of goals, but not that many people seemed to notice. However, after last season's £24 million transfer, people recognize the English international.

Now, he has to deliver on the expectations. Aston Villa would like to return to the top of the table, but the squad will need a lot of help from Bent.

He is a powerful striker, and he is one of the best finishers in the world. I don't think he will have much trouble scoring 20-plus goals this year.

4. Luis Suarez, Liverpool

Luis Suarez took the EPL by storm last season.

His pace was unmatched, and it seemed like no one had seen a quick-footed striker before. Suarez was making great teams look foolish. Now, he has to follow up on that with a solid second season.

Suarez may not be as dominant this season, but he will be just as dangerous. Although clubs will be ready for the Uruguayan, he can still make things happen with the ball at his feet.

Liverpool are hoping to finish in the top four this season. If Suarez is in great form, I don't think they will have much trouble doing so.

3. Carlos Tevez, Manchester City

Assuming he stays at Manchester City, Carlos Tevez is one of the best strikers in the EPL.

He has great pace, and he can score in a variety of ways. Now that Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko have joined him, Tevez will no longer be up top alone. Last year, it seemed like he was doing a lot of work by himself.

That won't be the case anymore.

With other world-class strikers alongside him, Tevez should add to his 20 goals from last season. If Tevez stays, City will have one of the greatest striker corps. In the entire world.

2. Robin Van Persie, Arsenal

Although he is often injured, Robin van Persie is one of the dangerous goal scorers in the EPL.

If he could ever put together a full season, RVP could have some historic numbers. Alas, the Dutch international always finds a way to get hurt.

Arsenal want redemption after last season's collapse. With RVP leading the charge up top, I wouldn't be surprised to see the redemption happen. He is a fantastic finisher, and he finds ways to score when situations look hopeless.

RVP is always regarded as "good now, great if he could play a whole season." If he puts together a full season this year, he may just be known as "great."

1. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United

Love him or hate him, Wayne Rooney is the most dangerous striker in the EPL.

He can score goals, create goals and tick off opposing teams with ease. Combine that with his great work ethic, and you have the makings of a legend. He is a leader for the defending champions, and he (along with his club) has his sights set on European glory.

United boast a great striker tandem, and Rooney is a major reason why. He combines well with Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, and their goal tallies reflect that. With another season together, these two could combine for nearly 40 goals this season.

He isn't the nicest player, but Rooney sure is one of the best. Given what he's done and the fact that he is only 25, I wouldn't be surprised if Rooney went down as one of the greatest strikers in league history.