There's something particularly captivating about watching an unfamiliar player being compelled to play as their team's striker – and sometimes succeeding in the role.
Whether it's due to injury or the desire to cause chaos, the desperation required to thrust an unconventional player into the lineup instantly makes any match a must-see spectacle.
We've delved into the archives to discover seven emergency strikers who captured the adoration of football fans worldwide.
Mikel Merino
After Kai Havertz was ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, Arsenal's chances of winning the Premier League title appeared to be over.
Yes, Havertz is frustratingly inconsistent and not a true striker himself. However, the German still managed to score double figures in all competitions before suffering a hamstring injury in Dubai.
Arsenal appeared inadequately equipped in the attacking department throughout their match at Leicester, especially with Gabriel Jesus absent.
Forward Merino stepped forward; called into emergency striker duty by manager Mikel Arteta, the midfielder scored twice to secure a valuable win and catapult himself to cult hero status.
Harry Maguire
It was certainly an intriguing decision by Erik ten Hag to deploy Maguire in a forward role during a 2022 Europa League match against Real Sociedad.
But Ten Hag provided a straightforward explanation for his unorthodox approach.
He suggested after the game that Maguire's ability to score with headers could have been a valuable asset for United in their search for a goal to secure the top spot in the group.
It's evident why Maguire moved up front: we required a goal and then we became more opportunistic.
With Cristiano and Harry Maguire, you have two good headers, and we attempted to get the ball into the box more directly. I believe we were successful in doing so several times, getting into the box before the opponent.
It is one of life's great regrets that we do not have access to Ronaldo's exact thoughts when he saw Maguire slowly making his way to join him in the attack.
Steven Caulker
From one center-back to another, with Jurgen Klopp also taking a questionable approach in logic after Liverpool's loan acquisition of QPR defender Caulker in 2016.
As Arsenal and the Reds were tied, the former Tottenham player was brought in to support the attack, and it paid off, with Joe Allen scoring a late equalizing goal in a 3-3 draw.
Caulker was taken aback by Klopp's tactical decision after the game. "I was surprised, I thought the manager was being sarcastic when he said we should move forward," he said.
“With just four to five minutes remaining, we had to take a risk, and it ended up paying off. It was an exhilarating four to six minutes.”
I was thrilled to get on the field and help salvage a tie. It's been a bit of a wild ride, but the excitement carried me through.
David James
Football. Heritage.
Nathaniel Phillips
During his loan stint at Bournemouth, Phillips was part of a team that trailed Blackpool 1-0 as the game entered its final stages.
The Liverpool loanee was shifted slightly higher up the field, and this tactical change proved highly beneficial as goals from Jamal Lowe and Siriki Dembele led to a thrilling win for the Cherries.
"We've made several adjustments in the second half and it's [Phillips playing as a striker] been effective, but there are many instances where it hasn't and that's the way it sometimes goes," said manager Scott Parker, who would make more questionable decisions in his subsequent managerial role at Burnley.
Gary Doherty
Irish defender Doherty occasionally acted as a forward, having done so frequently during his time with Luton and in the early stages of his career with Tottenham.
His best goal-scoring season at White Hart Lane occurred in 2000-01, during which he scored six goals.
His presence up front symbolized lean times for Spurs supporters, with a mediocre performance being the norm while Arsenal had an easy win nearby.
Places their current situation in context, at the very least.
Jorge Campos
Known for his psychedelic shirts and charismatic goalkeeping abilities, Campos also established a lucrative secondary career as a striker.
During his time with Mexican club UNAM, he asked to be used as a forward because he had fallen behind Adolfo Bautista in the goalkeeping rotation.
It proved to be a shrewd decision as Campos scored 14 times throughout the campaign.
He also scored a bicycle kick for Atlante later in his career. They no longer produce players of this caliber.