da apostaganha： Despite the recent struggles on the European front, the Premier League is considered by many as the greatest club competition in the world.
da cassino online： Week in, week out we are privy to some of the best players in the world plying their trade in the most thrilling weekly soap opera known to man.
Granted, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi don’t perform on these shores. Even Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale outgrew their respective clubs before big money moves to Spain, but the Premier League has no doubt been home to some wonderful talents over the years.
Since its inception back in 1992, some of the best players to step foot on a pitch have talked about their desire to play in the English Premier League. While the gargantuan TV deals may have had an impact on their decisions, the pull of playing for Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool – and later Chelsea or Manchester City has allowed fans to witness some highly talented players throughout the years.
Here are the top 50 players to play in the Premier League, judged on impact for their respective sides rather than technical talent…
50. ROBERT PIRES
The Frenchman arrived back at Arsenal back in 2000, as a replacement for Barcelona bound Marc Overmars. He would go on to become a club legend, winning two Premier League titles, three FA Cups and reaching the Champions League final with the Gunners.
The former Metz man was a huge part of the Invincibles side, with his mesmerising wing play often supporting Thierry Henry’s heroics up front. A short, unsuccessful spell at Aston Villa should not detract from his exploits in North London, the World Cup winner was a fantastic attacking midfielder in his day.
49. TEDDY SHERINGHAM
The former Manchester United, Spurs and West Ham man built a highly successful career without any notable pace – something pretty impressive in itself. To add three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and the Champions League into the mix shows a highly intelligent footballer.
The ex-Portsmouth and Nottingham Forest forward was able to drop deeper than a centre forward and provide assists as much as he was able to provide crucial goals. His vision and cool head stayed with him over a 24 year career, in which he became the oldest outfield player to score in a Premier League fixture at the age of 40.
48. XABI ALONSO
Liverpool signed the Basque midfielder in 2004 when Rafa Benitez took over the side. From his first touch on Merseyside, it was clear he was different class. The World Cup winner was as classy as they come, instantly forming an engine room to be envied with Steven Gerrard.
The fact he went on to play for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich speaks volumes about his quality, was a mainstay in the greatest Spain side of all time.
47. ROBBIE KEANE
Now with LA Galaxy, the Irishman is an elder statesman of Premier League forwards. He played for Coventry, Leeds, Spurs, Liverpool, West Ham and Aston Villa – scoring 123 league goals. The ex-Inter man was one of the biggest goal threats in the league for years in the mid to late 00’s.
46. SHAY GIVEN
The first ‘keeper on this list, old father time has now caught up with the acrobatic Irishman who is now third choice at Stoke City. However, the shot stopper enjoyed a hugely successful period with Newcastle United, despite playing behind one of the worst ever defensive partnerships in Titus Bramble Jean-Alain Boumsong.
He would later move to Manchester City after many years of loyal service to the Magpies, where he won the FA Cup in 2011.
45. JIMMY-FLOYD HASSELBAINK
The Dutchman is making waves in the world of management with League One outfit Burton Albion, where he won the League Two championship. Long before then however, he was a classy striker in the Premier League with the likes of Chelsea, Leeds and Middlesbrough.
He scored 250 career goals, many of them excellent efforts on these shores. If he’s half the manager than he was a player, expect him to make Premier League return.
44. EMMANUEL PETIT
The World Cup winning Frenchman recently expressed his regret in not joining Manchester United when he had the chance in 2001. The fact he also played for Barcelona and Arsenal shows you what calibre of player we’re talking about when waxing lyrical about Petit.
He formed a formidable partnership with Patrick Vieira in North London, winning two Premier League titles.
43. MICHAEL CARRICK
The Manchester United man is as classy as they come, having also played for West Ham and Spurs over a long career. The England international was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s last great Red Devils side, which won the Champions League in 2008.
An impressive haul of five Premier League titles, the League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup makes it hard to believe he’s not been trusted more by a number of Three Lions managers.
42. RICARDO CARVALHO
The classy Portuguese defender arrived with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea back in 2004, and was integral in the side that only conceded 15 league goals in his first season.
Paired next to John Terry, he provided a calm alternative to the bruising Blues captain and was the epitome of elegance. The fact Mourinho brought him over to Real Madrid some six years after his arrival at Chelsea says a lot for his talents.
41. NICOLAS ANELKA
It would probably be quicker to name what English clubs Nicolas Anelka hasn’t played for during his long, glittering career. The French striker was Arsene Wenger’s first great signing as a 19-year old and was sold to Real Madrid for eye watering profit not long after.
The versatile forward could play across the front line as various types of attacker, and probably enjoyed his best spell on these shores with Chelsea, where we won his second league title and two FA Cups.
40. LES FERDINAND
Plundered 149 league goals while with the likes of QPR, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, and formed a formidable partnership with Alan Shearer on Tyneside in the late 90s.
He sadly never lifted the league title, but finished runner up twice while at St. James’. He’s now back at QPR as their Director of Football.
39. STEVE BRUCE
The Manchester United captain may never have won an England cap, but led his side to a trio of Premier League titles.
In fact, it was the Geordie defender who netted a brace against Sheffield Wednesday in order to send the Red Devils on their way to the inaugural Premier League crown. The rest is history.
38. LEE DIXON
Now a TV pundit, the Arsenal defender was a quarter part of the league’s first great defences. He was an integral part of George Graham’s backline at Highbury, and later Arsene Wenger’s.
A diligent defender, he mixed an astute reading of the game with discipline and athleticism over 15 years in North London.
37. NICKY BUTT
Probably the least celebrated graduate of the infamous Class of ’92, the ex-Manchester United man won 15 major honours – including six Premier League titles, a trio of FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League.
He offered industry in the engine room for Man Utd, Newcastle and Birmingham across a glittering career, where he was also crowned as Pele’s ‘Player of the Tournament’ during the 2002 World Cup.
36. PEPE REINA
His Liverpool tenure fizzled out as the Rafa Benitez team fell apart, but the Spanish shot stopper was formidable between the posts during the late 2000s.
He reached 100 clean sheets for the Merseyside club faster than anyone else, and is now with European giants Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola.
35. PAOLO DI CANIO
A far better footballer than he was manager, the fiery Italian scored one of the greatest goals in Premier League history while with West Ham.
The temperament sometimes got the best of him, as he famously pushed over a referee while with Sheffield Wednesday. Still, fans up and down the country marvelled at his enigmatic skill.
34. CARLOS TEVEZ
Welcome to Manchester. The Argentine forward shocked the world as he arrived at West Ham in 2006, and initially flopped. However, he was key into keeping the Hammers up – much to Neil Warnock’s dismay.
He would later move to Manchester United to rub shoulders with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, winning two league titles and the Champions League.
He would then make a controversial switch to Manchester City, adding another league and an FA Cup to an impressive haul.
33. LEDLEY KING
The Spurs stalwart was a rock at the heart of defence, and the thought of him injury free is enough to drive England fans crazy. Chronic knee injuries impacted his career no doubt, but the man was as classy and imposing as they come in defence – only picking up eight yellow cards in the entirety of his career.
Regarded by old rival Thierry Henry as the best defender he has ever faced.
32. PETR CECH
The Chelsea legend – now at Arsenal oddly enough – was the bedrock of Jose Mourinho’s first great Stamford Bridge side, after arriving in England under Claudio Ranieri. The Czech ‘keeper has been an excellent addition to the league, offering stability between the sticks.
It took eleven years and an outstanding young Belgian to displace him, and Arsenal pulled of a major coup by securing a deal earlier this summer.
31. MICHAEL OWEN
Seems odd to suggest a man who won the Balon d’Or never really lived up to his potential. After bursting on to the scene as a youngster during the 1998 World Cup, he went on to become a Liverpool legend with his electric pace and lethal fishing.
Later moved to Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United, winning one Premier League title in 2010 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
30. FERNANDO TORRES
Fernando Torres had a rather odd Premier League career. He was exceptional at Liverpool after moving from hometown club Atletico Madrid, netting 65 times in 102 games. While on Merseyside, the Spaniard was one of the most lethal front men in Europe, almost leading the Reds to the league title.
It didn’t work out so well at Chelsea following a £50m move in 2011, and he failed to remotely live up to his price tag. Now back at Atletico Madrid, he seems to be enjoying his football once more.
29. SOL CAMPBELL
The man who crossed the North London divide, infamously joining Arsenal from fierce rivals Tottenham on a free transfer. Campbell was a towering, elegant defender who won the double at Highbury, before becoming a huge part of their Invincibles team.
He later enjoyed a spell at Portsmouth, before bizarre tenures at Notts County and Newcastle United.
28. JAMIE CARRAGHER
The Liverpool legend, now an excellent TV pundit, was a huge part of the Reds’ infamous 2005 Champions League final win. He made his way through the ranks at Anfield, filling in at a number of positions across the backline.
Over 500 games for the club, he was an assured defender capable of sniffing out trouble at a moment’s notice. Seems hard to believe he grew up supporting Everton.
27. CLAUDE MAKELELE
Chelsea signed the Frenchman from Real Madrid when Roman Abramovich initially took over the Blues back in 2003, and what a signing he was.
Not as glamorous as perhaps some of the other names that followed him through the door, but he was as dependable and solid a holding midfielder you could possibly want. So good football fans up and down the country coined the holding role as the ‘Makelele role’.
26. RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
Recently left out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s list of world class players he managed during his time at Manchester United, the Dutchman surely has the right to feel somewhat aggrieved.
Scoring 95 goals in just 150 games for the Red Devils, the striker was unfortunate to win the Premier League just once. However, he was one of the most lethal front men to ever play on these shores, and his acrimonious exit from the North West giants should not affect his standing.
25. MATT LE TISSIER
Any player looked up to by the likes of Xavi and Iniesta must be half decent. The Southampton legend may have not won much in the way of silverware or international caps, but became an icon at the club he loved.
The archetypal one club man, he dazzled fans with his seemingly effortless skill and enigmatic talents. A true joy to watch.
24. SERGIO AGUERO
The Argentine striker has been a revelation since joining Manchester City from Atletico Madrid in 2011, and will be forever remembered for his iconic winning goal over QPR that saw the blue half of Manchester win the Premier League for the first time.
Still going strong, he’s proving himself to be one of the best strikers the league has ever hosted, and recently scored a stunning five times against Newcastle.
23. DAVID BECKHAM
One of the finest dead ball specialists to ever grace the league, he was a huge part of the late 90s United side. A graduate of the class of ’92, he would go on to captain England and become the most capped outfield player of all time.
Left the Red Devils on bad terms, moving to Real Madrid, La Galaxy and PSG, as well as a loan spell at AC Milan. However, perhaps the most iconic English footballer of all time.
22. GARETH BALE
Gareth Bale struggled initially at Tottenham, almost joining Birmingham City for £3m. However, his hard work led to a run in the Spurs side and we all know what happened next.
Heroic performances against Inter Milan kept Spurs’ hopes in the Champions League, and the Welshman led the North London club’s quest to return to the competition pretty much by himself during the 2012-13 season.
A world record £86m to Real Madrid followed, where he was crucial in securing the club’s 10th European Cup. Remains to be seen whether he’ll be back on these shores.
21. GIANFRANCO ZOLA
The Italian forward was making Chelsea a force in the league long before their Russian owner had invested a single penny into the club. A Stamford Bridge legend, he was one of the most skilful players to play in this league.
Scoring great goals, always smiling and close control to be marvelled out – it’s easy to see why he was so popular in West London.
20. ASHLEY COLE
On the left-side of defence, Ashley Cole was rightly considered one of the best in the world in that position for a number of years. A controversial personality, the former Arsenal and Chelsea man was sometimes forgotten as a truly world-class defender.
19. NEMANJA VIDIC
An absolute rock at the heart of the last great Red Devils side, the stoic Serbian won five league titles and the Champions League, captaining the side for three years. One of the most imposing defenders to ever play in England, he formed an excellent partnership with Rio Ferdinand before moving on to Inter Milan.
18. GARY NEVILLE
Mr Dependable. The Manchester United defender formed a great partnership with David Beckham on the right side of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble winning Red Devils team.
A graduate of the Class of ’92, the England defender combined stoic defending with incisive attacking play for over a decade until injuries simply got too much for him. Now a revered TV pundit and part of the England coaching set up.
17. RIO FERDINAND
Classy on the ball and elegance in abundance, the former Leeds and West Ham man became the most expensive defender in world football when moving to Manchester United in 2002.
An imposing figure at the heart of defence, he formed an outstanding partnership with Nemanja Vidic as the club dominated English football in the late ‘00s, and reached three Champions League finals in four years.
An excellent servant for his country, captaining the Three Lions on many occasions.
16. PETER SCHMEICHEL
The Great Dane in goal for Manchester United is the greatest ‘keeper in the history of the Premier League. The captain of the treble winning 1998-99 season, he was a commanding presence between the posts for the side.
An absolute beast in goal, United fans even forgive his brief stint at Manchester City for his stellar service.
15. LUIS SUAREZ
Perhaps one of the most dynamic players to ever arrive in England. Almost led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 2013-14, with an outstanding 31-goal season.
The Uruguayan was as controversial as they come, biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in a Premier League clash. However, he was simply a joy to watch during his time at Anfield, and will surely go down as one of the club’s all-time greats.
14. DIDIER DROGBA
An icon for Chelsea, the Ivorian forward epitomised the first great Jose Mourinho team. Physical, skilful and at times border line cheating, he led the Blues to great success across to spells in West London.
An ideal spearhead for any side, he was capable of scoring mind blowing goals, tap ins as well as bringing others in to play. If four Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a trio of League Cups weren’t enough, the Ivory Coast star famously won the Blues their first Champions League trophy in 2012 with a heroic performance against Bayern Munich.
13. JOHN TERRY
Chelsea’s greatest ever player. The defender has been with the club all of his career, winning every trophy he possibly can with the club. Perhaps not the most well-liked individual, the former England captain sums up the British game with his life or death approach to the game.
He’s also a world-class defender, which helps of course.
12. WAYNE ROONEY
England’s all-time highest scoring player, Manchester United and England captain. 3 European Cup finals, 5 Premier League titles and a raft of individual honours. Who says Rooney hasn’t lived up to his potential?
The former Everton youngster has been a stalwart for the Red Devils, though perhaps isn’t always given the credit he deserves. A wonderfully talented player, he can play across the front line and has even been deployed in deeper midfield roles.
It wouldn’t be the same without him.
11. FRANK LAMPARD
The Chelsea legend is greatest goal scoring midfielder this league has ever seen. Amazingly, he is the club’s highest ever goal scorer, without ever playing as a centre forward. His trademark late runs into the box to score have been a huge part of the Premier League over the years.
A trio of Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League and 106 England caps has endeared himself to fans up and down the country.
10. STEVEN GERRARD
Despite never winning a league title, the Liverpool legend established himself as one of the greatest midfielders this country has ever produced. A talisman, able to drive the Reds forward for a number of years as instrumental in the club’s 2005 Champions League final win.
The former England captain was the definition of a midfield dynamo, able to burst forward and score goals, score screamers from long distances or hold and break-up play.
9. DENNIS BERGKAMP
The Flying Dutchman was effortless in his skill, leaving defenders bruised and confused. Added such class to the Arsenal side, he lifted the club into fierce title contenders.
The perfect ‘second striker’, the former Inter Milan transformed English football and was key in the Invincibles season, creating spectacular goals as well as scoring them.
8. CRISTIANO RONALDO
Arrived as a lanky show pony who had all the style but not much substance, as he replaced David Beckham in the iconic Number 7 shirt. Left as a club legend and has gone on to become one the greatest players in the history of the game.
He’s gone from strength to strength for Real Madrid since his record breaking £80m, but it’s important to remember just how good he was at Old Trafford. Stunning goals, wicked wing play saw him win the Balon d’Or while on these shores.
Created a new breed of wide forward, as well as a new style of free-kicks. Ground breaking.
7. ERIC CANTONA
The Manchester United icon was the first superstar in the Premier League. After a controversial switch from Leeds United, the Frenchman became one of the greatest players in the club’s history, winning them the Premier League title.
He scored iconic goals, including the famous chip against Sunderland. A shorter career than most top players, he now finds himself working as an actor.
6. ALAN SHEARER
The record goal scorer in the league. 206 goals for Southampton, Blackburn and boyhood club Newcastle, where he became a club legend cements him as a certified legend.
The talismanic forward was both the scorer of great goals, and a great goal scorer. He famously rejected Manchester United to move to Newcastle as he became the most expensive player in world football.
A legend for both club and country.
5. PATRICK VIEIRA
A huge part of what made Arsenal such a force in the 90’s up until their Invicibles campaign. The French midfielder embodied the Gunners’ style in those years, expertly blending a physicality with elegance on the ball.
Redefined the role of a modern day midfielder, his presence in the side has been sorely missed over a decade since left the club. A true talisman, and one of the finest imports this league has ever seen.
4. ROY KEANE
The driving force behind Sir Alex’s Ferguson first dominant spell at Old Trafford, the Irishman was the perfect blend ferocious and fantastic. He chipped in with a few goals, and dominated big games consistently.
After his acrimonious departure from the club in 2005, the Red Devils struggled to replace the iconic midfielder, perhaps even until now.
3. PAUL SCHOLES
Once described by Zinede Zidane as the greatest midfielder in the world, Paul Scholes was the metronome at the heart of two great Manchester United teams. A wonderful passer of the ball, he’s considered in the same bracket as the likes of Xavi and Iniesta.
Able to score screamers from long distance, the red haired quiet Manchester boy is the one of the greatest central midfielders England has ever produced. Never quiet used by his national side in the right way, he proved his worth by coming out of retirement in order to help his side win another league. A truly wonderful player.
2. RYAN GIGGS
Many people’s ‘Number 1’ on lists like these, the Welshman is most decorated player in modern day British football. A stunning 13 league titles, 2 Champions League’s and a raft of cups and individual honours make his trophy haul so impressive.
A wonderful winger, Giggs had the skill to turn even the most stoic full-backs in the game inside and out, becoming a huge part of the most successful spell in the Red Devils’ history.
His longevity saw him switched to a classy centre-midfielder in his later years, effortlessly pining passes as if he had played their his life. Legend.
1. THIERRY HENRY
Though Giggs played for longer, winning more trophies, Thierry Henry is the finest player to perform in this league. Arrived at Arsenal as a down-on-his-luck winger from Juventus, the Frenchman became the greatest player in the club’s history and their record goal scorer.
He’s won everything possible in the game, playing for some of the biggest clubs. However, it was at Arsenal that he truly enjoyed the best spell of his career. We’ve never been privy to a forward like him, before or since. Classy, physical and lethal – the World Cup winner was able to score all kinds of goals from all different areas.
An amazing athlete and truly the best player this league has ever seen.