The 1994/95 English Premier League season was a historic season for Blackburn Rovers, managed by Kenny Dalglish. They won their won their first top-flight title since 1914, narrowly edging out Manchester United on the final day of the season! Alan Shearer was instrumental in Blackburn’s success, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 34 goals!
Another memorable moment was when Manchester United’s Eric Cantona received an eight-month ban for his infamous kung-fu kick incident involving a Crystal Palace fan. This season was goals galore, with a fair few new kids on the block!
Let’s see what the 1994/95 Merlin set can bring.
Let’s get into the top 10!
10 – Jurgen Klinsmann – #476 – Rookie Sticker from Panini German Football Bundesliga 1984/85
Jurgen Klinsmann was a prolific striker known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and intelligent movement off the ball. His playing style combined technical skill with physical prowess, making him a versatile forward who could score with both feet and was also strong in the air. Klinsmann had a keen eye for goal and was the ideal poacher.
In the 1994/95 season, Klinsmann joined Tottenham Hotspur and made an immediate impact with his greatest ever goal output in a season (29 goals in all competitions). He scored 20 goals in the Premier League and won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.
Following the season, he earned a move to Bayern. He would go on to finish his career at Tottenham in the 97/98 season. Despite only 56 Premier League appearances, he is an icon of English football. A nice sticker to begin our list.
9 – Chris Sutton – #70 – Rookie Sticker from Panini English Football 1992/93
Chris Sutton was a versatile forward, known for his physical presence, aerial ability, and powerful shot. He was a dominant force in the air, making him a significant threat on set pieces and crosses.
The 1994/95 season was a landmark year for Chris Sutton, as he played a pivotal role in Blackburn Rovers’ historic Premier League title win. Partnering with Alan Shearer to form one of the most formidable striking duos in English football, Sutton contributed significantly to the title by scoring 15 goals. Sutton’s ability to create space, hold up the ball, made him a perfect partner for the leathal Alan Shearer.
After 5 seasons at Blackburn, Sutton moved on to Chelsea, and then to Celtic the following season. He would become a fan favourite for the Scottish giants, playing 6 seasons and winning 4 Scottish League titles.
8 – Peter Schmeichel – #293 – Rookie Sticker from Aller Læser Service Fodbold EM 1988
Peter Schmeichel is celebrated as one of football’s greatest goalkeepers, known for his imposing presence, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership. Schmeichel was renowned for his reflexes and acrobatic saves excelling in one-on-one situations.
A key aspect of Schmeichel’s game was his ability to command the defence. His vocal presence and organisational skills ensured his team remained well-structured. Schmeichel’s confidence and psychological edge were also evident, particularly during penalties and high-pressure moments.
In the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Schmeichel played a crucial role for Manchester United, who finished second, narrowly missing out on the title to Blackburn Rovers. He kept 20 clean sheets and, I think, was unlucky to not make the team of the season. Tim Flowers got the spot despite having 16 clean sheets (note he did win the title).
7 – Les Ferdinand – #401 – Rookie Sticker from Panini English Football 1992/93
Les Ferdinand was an striker renowned for his exceptional aerial ability, physical strength, and clinical finishing. Ferdinand was probably the greatest headers of the ball; when a cross came in, he was deadly. His playing style was shaped by his remarkable ability to leap high and win headers, often outmuscling taller defenders. He was also adept at holding up the ball, allowing his teammates to join the attack.
During the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Les Ferdinand played for Queens Park Rangers (QPR). He had an outstanding season, scoring 24 league goals, which made him the third-highest scorer behind Alan Shearer and Robbie Fowler. Ferdinand’s goals were crucial in helping QPR achieve a respectable 8th place finish in the league. The following season he was snapped up by Newcastle United for 6 million pounds. Replacing Andy Cole, he had a storming season bagging 25 in the league!
6 – Stan Collymore Rookie Sticker – #378
Stan Collymore was an striker who had it all! Known for his powerful presence, technical ability, and clinical finishing, he combined physical strength with surprising speed and agility, making him a nightmare for defenders. Collymore could score from various positions, whether through powerful long-range shots or precise finishes inside the box. His dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders also added a dynamic element to his game.
During the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Collymore had a breakout year with Nottingham Forest. He scored 22 league goals, making him one of the top scorers in the division and earning him a reputation as one of the most exciting talents in English football. His performances were instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s impressive campaign, where they finished third in the league, securing a spot in the UEFA Cup!
The following season he was signed by Liverpool and scored 14 goals, forming a good partnership with Ian Rush, and later Robbie Fowler. Unfortunately, Stan’s best football would soon be behind him and he was a case of what could have been! Collymore suffered from mental illness and was later diagnosed with depression. As were the times, he wasn’t supported in these times, rather was more ridiculed. I think, this speed up his decline, where by 1999, he was a shell of him former self. I like to imagine what he could have been if he got the help he needed. He was a monster when firing and the 1994/95 season is proof of that!
5 – Andy Cole – #331 – Rookie Sticker from Merlin English Premier League 1993/94
Andy Cole was a prolific striker known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, quick pace, and intelligent movement off the ball. Cole’s style of play combined clinical finishing with the knack for finding space in and around the penalty area. He was adept at using both feet, which made him a constant threat to defenders.
In the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Cole began the season with Newcastle United, where he had an outstanding start. He scored 9 goals in 18 league appearances, continuing his form from the previous season. Somehow he fell out with the manager and Manchester United swooped in. At Manchester United, Cole quickly adapted and became a key player. Despite joining mid-season, he scored 12 goals in 18 league matches. His overall tally for the season was 21 goals, helping Manchester United to finish second in the league.
Cole is one of the most underrated strikers of all time! His goal record is ridiculous scoring 187 EPL goals. What makes this mental is the fact he didn’t take penalties. Well, in truth, he had 1 penalty – so make that 186 goals haha! I think an incredible stat! Cole spent 8 years at United, scoring 121 goals and winning 5 EPL titles, 2 FA Cups and a UCL title.
4 – Robbie Fowler – #259 – Rookie Sticker from Merlin English Premier League 1993/94
Robbie Fowler was an exceptionally talented striker, renowned for his natural goal-scoring ability, quick reflexes, and intelligent positioning. Often called “God” by Liverpool fans, Fowler was known for his clinical finishing and instinctive play in the box. In terms of natural finishers, he is the best I have seen in the prem. If he got a chance, his left foot was putting it in the back of the net!
In the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Fowler truly made his mark as one of the league’s most promising young talents. At just 19 years old, he scored 25 league goals, finishing as the second-highest scorer in the league in what was his second season in the first team. One of the highlights of Fowler’s season was his memorable hat-trick against Arsenal in August 1994, which he completed in just four minutes and 33 seconds—a record for the fastest hat-trick in Premier League history at the time!
The following season, Fowler was at it again, scoring 28 goals! He was known for his off-field antics, being labeled one of the “spice boys” – look up Robbie Fowler goal celebration. But the major event, I think, was his knee injury in the 1997/98 season. It kept him out for half of the season, Michael Owen rose to prominence, and Fowler never got going again. In the 12 seasons post injury, Fowler only managed double figures 3 times, with the highest output being 14 goals. A shadow of his former self!
3 – Nicky Butt Rookie Sticker – #303
Nicky Butt was a tenacious and versatile midfielder renowned for his defensive capabilities, work rate, and ability to break up opposition play. Butt’s tough tackling, positional awareness, and relentless energy, made him a crucial component of Manchester United’s midfield. One of the unsung hero’s of Manchester, he always got the job done and let the others take the headlines.
In the 1994/95 English Premier League season, marked his breakthrough into the first team, where he became an integral part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad. Despite being just 19 years old, Butt made 22 league appearances, contributing to United’s strong midfield lineup. His performances were pivotal in providing balance and defensive stability, helping Manchester United to finish second in the league, just one point behind champions Blackburn Rovers.
Butt has gone onto have a monster career winning 6 EPL titles, 3 FA Cups and a Uefa Champions League title! After 378 appearances for the Red Devils, Butt signed for Newcastle where he spent 6 seasons. A really cool rookie sticker!
2 – Alan Shearer – #65 – Rookie Sticker from Panini Soccer’s Super Sevens 1991/92
Alan Shearer was a legendary striker known for his physical presence, lethal finishing, and exceptional heading ability. Shearer used his strength and aerial prowess to outmuscle defenders and score goals with remarkable consistency. He possessed a powerful shot with and was equally proficient in scoring from close range or long range.
During the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Shearer led Blackburn Rovers to an unexpected Premier League title! He finished as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 34 goals and won player of the season and the PFA Player of the season. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations and consistently find the back of the net propelled Blackburn to the top of the league standings.
Shearer is now considered the best ever number 9 to grace the Premier League! He is the leading goal scorer in the competition with 260 goals, and has 379 in total! In 1996 he rejected Manchester United and went to his boyhood club, Newcastle United. For Newcastle alone, he scored 206 goals and is their greatest ever player! Shearer, an absolute legend!
1 – Paul Scholes Rookie Sticker – #302
Paul Scholes is the best Rookie Sticker in Merlin English Premier League 1994-1995.
Paul Scholes was a midfield maestro and is in the conversation for the greatest ever Premier League midfielder! Known for his exceptional vision, passing accuracy, and intelligent movement on the pitch, Scholes’ ability to dictate the tempo of the game made him indispensable for Manchester United.
In my time watching football, I would say Scholes is the greatest passer I have seen in the Prem. He just sat deep and sprayed the ball over over the pitch, never missing his target. I always a remember an interview from Bobby Zamora where he said he was playing as a lone striker, having to watch Scholes all game his end of the field. He said how he was just spraying balls in behind the defensive, and not over the defence, but hit the ball around them with “swaz”!
During the 1994/95 English Premier League season, Scholes broke into the Manchester United first team, featuring 17 times in the league. His game was a bit different back then to how we know Scholes now. He was a bit of a box to box and played advanced up the field. It wasn’t until later he became one of the greatest deep lying playmakers to ever live!
Paul’s career has been absolutely ridiculous in terms of silverware. He won 11 EPL titles! Yes, you are reading right, 11! Additionally, he won 3 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, and 2 UCL titles! His illustrious career saw him feature for United 718 times.
What a player!
Summary
I won’t be expecting any arguments over who takes the number 1 spot. It is Scholes all day and it doesn’t even come close! The 1994/95 Merlin EPL set was one for the strikers with 7 places on the top 10 list, and a combined 161 EPL goals for the season between them! It wasn’t a huge set for rookies, but we got 2 Manchester United icons, with one being one of the best EPL 90s stickers you can get!
Let me know what you guys think of the list by commenting below or messaging me on my instagram.
References
Photos sourced from my good friend Gareth, taken from his personal album. Give him a follow on instagram or TikTok – “GSCOLLECTS“.