With the Premier League season into Matchday six, many players are yet to make their mark in the year-long Premier League. While many top signings such as Nicholas Pepe are still yet to shine for their clubs, one surprise package has been doing the rounds.
Finnish striker Teemu Pukki was instrumental in helping his side Norwich City gain promotion to the Premier League. Pukki finished the season with 29 goals and was crowned Championship Player of the Season. His brilliant form in front of the goal has continued this season, with the striker registering six goals in five matches. This includes a hattrick against Newcastle United, which is the first by a Norwich player since 1993.
Teemu Pukki’s brilliant form has seen him win the Player of the Month award in August. He is the first Finnish player to win this trophy in 15 years. Pukki already broke the record of the highest goals scored by a Finnish player in the championship and is now chasing the record set by former Birmingham City striker Mikael Forsell, who was Finland’s highest goal-scorer in the Premier League, with 34 goals.
Pukki has been in exceptional form for his country as well, with his five goals in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers, giving Finland a shot at qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in their history. At 29, Pukki is already the third-highest goal-scorer for his country, after Jari Litmenan and Forsell.
However, Pukki’s biggest achievement in his Premier League career might be the game against Manchester City. Norwich City have been in fine form, but this was their biggest challenge of the tournament. Moreover, they were without many of their first team players including their first team goalkeeper Tim Krul and defender Timm Klose. However, Norwich played a determined game of pass-and-play which trumped City’s defence and left them reeling. Norwich won the game 3-2 with goals from Kenny Mclean, Todd Cattwell and ofcourse Teemu Pukki, ending city’s unbeaten run.
All that is left to see is whether the Finnish star can continue his performances for his country and club, and keep his team afloat in the league.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Daniel Leal Olivas
