If you're putting together an all-time Premier League cult hero XI, then Yakubu would likely be the man leading the line upfront.
The Nigerian forward made over 250 appearances in English football's top flight, appearing for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Everton. However, there was a time the former Premier League star, who turned 42 years old last month, appeared for a National League side during a pre-season friendly, only to be on the end of a 5-0 defeat.
Back in 2016, 'The Yak', who bagged 96 Premier League goals during his lengthy career, ended up on trial with National League side Boreham Wood. During pre-season ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, Yakubu faced off against Reading, playing an hour of the action at Meadow Park.
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MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Yakubu of Middlesbrough scores their third goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premiership match between Middlesbrough and Manchester United at the Riverside Stadium on October 29 2005 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Yakubu of Middlesbrough scores their third goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Premiership match between Middlesbrough and Manchester United in 2005
Unfortunately, however, for Yakubu, who also previously played for the Royals, Boreham Wood lost 5-0 during the pre-season friendly.
The ex-Reading forward did managed to rest then Royals goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi, but otherwise the visitors were in control of the lopsided contest. Bizarrely, Reading were also being managed by ex-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam during the pre-season friendly.
However, had the Yakubu of old been playing for Boreham Wood, he almost certainly would have posed more threat to Reading's then Championship defence. During his time at Portsmouth, 'The Yak' netted 42 goals in 92 games in all competitions, a return which saw him earn £7.5million move to Middlesbrough.
Yakubu netted 17 goals in 30 Premier League games for Blackburn Rovers during the 2011/12 season
Yakubu netted 17 goals in 30 Premier League games for Blackburn Rovers during the 2011/12 season (Image: GETTY)
While on Teesside, the Nigerian continued his impressive goal scoring feats, scoring 19 and 16 during his two full campaigns at the Riverside, even helping Boro reach the UEFA Cup, now Europa League final against Sevilla in 2006.
He would go on to sign for Everton in 2007 for £11.25million on a five-year deal, and found the back of the net 21 times in 39 games during his first season on Merseyside. And while the goals did dry up for Yakubu in the following seasons, he rolled back the years during the 2011/12 campaign scoring 17 in 30 games for Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League.
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