Petr Cech: Goalkeeper
Premier League Club: Chelsea
Premier League Appearances: 211
Goals: 0
Petr Cech was signed from Rennes in 2004 and is now one of the top five goalkeepers in the world. He is a great shot-stopper, comfortable coming for crosses in the air and a calm presence for the Chelsea defense. Cech also broke the record for fewest games needed to reach 100 premier league clean sheets, accomplishing the feat in 180 premier league games.
Premier League Appearances: 211
Goals: 0
Petr Cech was signed from Rennes in 2004 and is now one of the top five goalkeepers in the world. He is a great shot-stopper, comfortable coming for crosses in the air and a calm presence for the Chelsea defense. Cech also broke the record for fewest games needed to reach 100 premier league clean sheets, accomplishing the feat in 180 premier league games.
Peter Schmeichel: Goalkeeper
Premier League Clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Manchester United
Premier League Appearances: 310
Goals: 1
Peter Schmeichel set the benchmark for goalkeepers when he joined Manchester United. The legacy he left behind was so immense it took Sir Alex Ferguson several years and different goalkeepers to try and find a replacement. The shadow of Schmeichel proved to immense for players like Fabien Barthez, Massimo Taibi, Roy Carroll and Tim Howard, although Howard now is a first-class goalkeeper playing for Everton.
Ranked in the top ten by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, Schmeichel always commanded respect from his peers and his performances always backed this up. He even played a role in the champions league winning goal from 1999, coming up for a corner and causing confusion for the Bayern Munich defence. Schmeichels cartwheeling celebration became an iconic moment for the whole decade.
Premier League Appearances: 310
Goals: 1
Peter Schmeichel set the benchmark for goalkeepers when he joined Manchester United. The legacy he left behind was so immense it took Sir Alex Ferguson several years and different goalkeepers to try and find a replacement. The shadow of Schmeichel proved to immense for players like Fabien Barthez, Massimo Taibi, Roy Carroll and Tim Howard, although Howard now is a first-class goalkeeper playing for Everton.
Ranked in the top ten by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics, Schmeichel always commanded respect from his peers and his performances always backed this up. He even played a role in the champions league winning goal from 1999, coming up for a corner and causing confusion for the Bayern Munich defence. Schmeichels cartwheeling celebration became an iconic moment for the whole decade.
Tony Adams: Defender
Premier League Club: Arsenal
Premier League Appearances: 210
Goals: 12
Tony Adams is one of Arsenal's most inspirational captains. Always willing to lead from the front he was a captain before it became official. Comfortable on the ball and always able to pop up with a vital goal, Adams' role was not solely in the defence. Adams is one of those rare players who plays for only one club throughout his career, ensuring he will forever be a hero with the Arsenal fans.
Adams did have severe problems away from the pitch, in 1996 he admitted he was an alcoholic and was undergoing treatment. He was able to battle back from this despite the added pressure involved in having to deal with it in the public eye. In 2000 Adams decided to give back to the game, creating the Sporting Chance Foundation to help other players who are going through similar problems to his own.
Premier League Appearances: 210
Goals: 12
Tony Adams is one of Arsenal's most inspirational captains. Always willing to lead from the front he was a captain before it became official. Comfortable on the ball and always able to pop up with a vital goal, Adams' role was not solely in the defence. Adams is one of those rare players who plays for only one club throughout his career, ensuring he will forever be a hero with the Arsenal fans.
Adams did have severe problems away from the pitch, in 1996 he admitted he was an alcoholic and was undergoing treatment. He was able to battle back from this despite the added pressure involved in having to deal with it in the public eye. In 2000 Adams decided to give back to the game, creating the Sporting Chance Foundation to help other players who are going through similar problems to his own.
Ashley Cole: Defender
Premier League Clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea
Premier League Appearances: 289
Goals: 14
Ashley Cole was always considered an unpopular player. However his award in being voted England's best player in 2010 showed fans were looking past his off-field problems and rewarded his outstanding performances. To date he is the only player who can say he can get the better of Cristian Ronaldo, having some epic battles with the winger when playing Manchester United and Portugal
While it cannot be doubted that he is one of the best left-backs in the world, he doesn't do himself many favours with his questionable behaviour. From shooting a 21-year-old intern with an air rifle, to claiming he nearly crashed the car when he heard Arsenal (his previous club) would only offer him £55,000 per week, Cole makes things hard for himself. The fact that he can perform at such a high level with the furore that surrounds him is a testament to his focus when he steps on the field. He is an attacking full-back who is also a very good defender, most full-backs are either good attacking or good defending, rarely both like Cole.
Premier League Appearances: 289
Goals: 14
Ashley Cole was always considered an unpopular player. However his award in being voted England's best player in 2010 showed fans were looking past his off-field problems and rewarded his outstanding performances. To date he is the only player who can say he can get the better of Cristian Ronaldo, having some epic battles with the winger when playing Manchester United and Portugal
While it cannot be doubted that he is one of the best left-backs in the world, he doesn't do himself many favours with his questionable behaviour. From shooting a 21-year-old intern with an air rifle, to claiming he nearly crashed the car when he heard Arsenal (his previous club) would only offer him £55,000 per week, Cole makes things hard for himself. The fact that he can perform at such a high level with the furore that surrounds him is a testament to his focus when he steps on the field. He is an attacking full-back who is also a very good defender, most full-backs are either good attacking or good defending, rarely both like Cole.
Rio Ferdinand: Defender
Premier League Clubs: Leeds, West Ham, Manchester United
Premier League Appearances: 415
Goals: 10
Rio Ferdinand is the definition of a modern centre-back. Able to pass the ball like a midfielder, and dominate games from the heart of the defence. Leeds paid £18 million for him, followed by Manchester United buying him from Leeds for £30 million. Two huge transfer fees are rare for any player, especially a defender.
Rio Ferdinand is also deeply respected by his teammates. When he was banned for eight months for forgetting to attend a drugs test, the English national teams players threatened to strike over his ban. While it may have been an overreaction and wrong for the players to threaten to to strike, it does show how important Ferdinand is for his teammates.
Premier League Appearances: 415
Goals: 10
Rio Ferdinand is the definition of a modern centre-back. Able to pass the ball like a midfielder, and dominate games from the heart of the defence. Leeds paid £18 million for him, followed by Manchester United buying him from Leeds for £30 million. Two huge transfer fees are rare for any player, especially a defender.
Rio Ferdinand is also deeply respected by his teammates. When he was banned for eight months for forgetting to attend a drugs test, the English national teams players threatened to strike over his ban. While it may have been an overreaction and wrong for the players to threaten to to strike, it does show how important Ferdinand is for his teammates.
Jamie Carragher: Defender
Premier League Club: Liverpool
Premier League Appearances: 453
Goals: 4
For a long time the perception was that Jaime Carragher was not recognised as a top player outside of Liverpool. This isn't the case nowadays and Carragher is viewed not only as one of Liverpool's greatest players but a premier league great. Never blessed with great pace his understanding of the game helps him to get into the right positions. In his youth he also worked tirelessly on his left foot, showing his commitment to help the club no matter what was required.
Never afraid to say what is on his mind and defend his team, Carragher is a hero to the Liverpool fans. A local lad playing for his local club, the fans have even forgiven him for being a fan of neighbours Everton when he was young. Even though he is now 33, his importance to the team cannot be underestimated. Coming back from three months out with a dislocated shoulder against Chelsea, he played the full 90 minutes negating the threat of Fernando Torres with a typically dominant performance.
Premier League Appearances: 453
Goals: 4
For a long time the perception was that Jaime Carragher was not recognised as a top player outside of Liverpool. This isn't the case nowadays and Carragher is viewed not only as one of Liverpool's greatest players but a premier league great. Never blessed with great pace his understanding of the game helps him to get into the right positions. In his youth he also worked tirelessly on his left foot, showing his commitment to help the club no matter what was required.
Never afraid to say what is on his mind and defend his team, Carragher is a hero to the Liverpool fans. A local lad playing for his local club, the fans have even forgiven him for being a fan of neighbours Everton when he was young. Even though he is now 33, his importance to the team cannot be underestimated. Coming back from three months out with a dislocated shoulder against Chelsea, he played the full 90 minutes negating the threat of Fernando Torres with a typically dominant performance.
Steven Gerrard: Midfielder
Premier League Club: Liverpool
Premier League Appearances: 384
Goals: 84
Quite possibly the greatest midfielder in this list, Steven Gerrard at times defined the term 'one-man team.' Inspiring wins in the 2005 Champions League and the FA Cup a year after, he is a talisman for both club and country. The FA Cup win against West Ham is now referred to as being "The Gerrard Final."
Unfortunately he does not have the one medal missing from his collection, the premier league winners medal. There is still time for him to win the missing piece from his collection, and his drive and desire to do so shows no signs of relenting.
His premier league performance have always been at the highest level.Named in the teams of the season on numerous occasions, Gerrard always seems to outperform everyone else when he is required to do so. Gerrard is a box-to-box midfielder who can tackle better than some defenders, and score more goals than many strikers
Premier League Appearances: 384
Goals: 84
Quite possibly the greatest midfielder in this list, Steven Gerrard at times defined the term 'one-man team.' Inspiring wins in the 2005 Champions League and the FA Cup a year after, he is a talisman for both club and country. The FA Cup win against West Ham is now referred to as being "The Gerrard Final."
Unfortunately he does not have the one medal missing from his collection, the premier league winners medal. There is still time for him to win the missing piece from his collection, and his drive and desire to do so shows no signs of relenting.
His premier league performance have always been at the highest level.Named in the teams of the season on numerous occasions, Gerrard always seems to outperform everyone else when he is required to do so. Gerrard is a box-to-box midfielder who can tackle better than some defenders, and score more goals than many strikers
Ryan Giggs: Midfielder
Premier League Club: Manchester United
Premier League Appearances: 606
Goals: 110
Ryan Giggs would probably make the all-time premier league final eleven. A pacy winger who would just run past defenders like they were not even there. Somehow at the age of 37 he is still performing at levels that are unprecedented for someone his age. Giggs was part of the great Manchester United academy that produced the likes of Scholes, the Neville brothers, Beckham and Nicky Butt, and is one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted players.
Even he doesn't have the pace he used too, he dominates and wins game without it. Re-inventing his game into becoming a passing midfielder who can open up defences with ease, he still proves to be a vital part of the Manchester United team.
Premier League Appearances: 606
Goals: 110
Ryan Giggs would probably make the all-time premier league final eleven. A pacy winger who would just run past defenders like they were not even there. Somehow at the age of 37 he is still performing at levels that are unprecedented for someone his age. Giggs was part of the great Manchester United academy that produced the likes of Scholes, the Neville brothers, Beckham and Nicky Butt, and is one of Sir Alex Ferguson's most trusted players.
Even he doesn't have the pace he used too, he dominates and wins game without it. Re-inventing his game into becoming a passing midfielder who can open up defences with ease, he still proves to be a vital part of the Manchester United team.
Frank Lampard: Midfielder
Premier League Clubs: Chelsea, West Ham
Premier League Appearances: 480
Goals: 131
When Lampard moved to Chelsea from West Ham he surely did not expect the effect of Roman Abramovich on the club. Yet despite the millions that have been spent on a plethora of players, Lampards position in the team is almost guaranteed. Lampard is a certainty to reach double figures in goals every season, he has the happy knack of getting vital goals when required, as well as being a fantastic penalty taker.
With new managers each bringing new formations, Lampard does not find it difficult to adapt. Whilst he may not be as gifted or explosive when compared to Steven Gerrard, he is a top premier league player with medals to match.
Premier League Appearances: 480
Goals: 131
When Lampard moved to Chelsea from West Ham he surely did not expect the effect of Roman Abramovich on the club. Yet despite the millions that have been spent on a plethora of players, Lampards position in the team is almost guaranteed. Lampard is a certainty to reach double figures in goals every season, he has the happy knack of getting vital goals when required, as well as being a fantastic penalty taker.
With new managers each bringing new formations, Lampard does not find it difficult to adapt. Whilst he may not be as gifted or explosive when compared to Steven Gerrard, he is a top premier league player with medals to match.
Paul Scholes: Midfielder
Premier League Club: Manchester United
Premier League Appearances: 461
Goals: 102
Contending with Steven Gerrard for greatest premier league player, Paul Scholes is one of the best players ever to play the game. Possibly the most highly respected player in the world, fellow players love Paul Scholes, here are a few examples:
Zinedine Zidane: "He is undoubtedly the greatest player of his generation."
Thierry Henry: "Without any doubt the best player in the Premiership has to be Scholes... He knows how to do everything."
Bobby Charlton: "Paul is always so in control and pin-point accurate with his passing—a beautiful player to watch."
Alan Hansen: "One of the top three to five players to have ever played in the Premier League."
Xavi: "A role model. For me, and I really mean this, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision."
Premier League Appearances: 461
Goals: 102
Contending with Steven Gerrard for greatest premier league player, Paul Scholes is one of the best players ever to play the game. Possibly the most highly respected player in the world, fellow players love Paul Scholes, here are a few examples:
Zinedine Zidane: "He is undoubtedly the greatest player of his generation."
Thierry Henry: "Without any doubt the best player in the Premiership has to be Scholes... He knows how to do everything."
Bobby Charlton: "Paul is always so in control and pin-point accurate with his passing—a beautiful player to watch."
Alan Hansen: "One of the top three to five players to have ever played in the Premier League."
Xavi: "A role model. For me, and I really mean this, he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. He's spectacular, he has it all, the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision."
Patrick Vieira: Midfielder
Premier League Club: Arsenal, Manchester City
Premier League Appearances: 300
Goals: 30
Vieira was voted the fifth greatest player ever to play for Arsenal by the clubs fans, considering the amazing players that have graced that club, it is quite an achievement. While he isn't the dominate force at Manchester City that he once was, it is his time at Arsenal that cements his place as one of the greatest premier league players.
Vieira was usually deployed in a holding midfielder role, but he was always keen to join with the attack. Scoring spectacular team goals vs Liverpool and Chelsea, he was always a leader, especially when it came to the biggest games. His crowning moment came in the 2005 FA Cup final, scoring the winning penalty against Manchester United. His intense rivalry with Roy Keane is the probably the greatest rivalry between two players ever seen in England.
Premier League Appearances: 300
Goals: 30
Vieira was voted the fifth greatest player ever to play for Arsenal by the clubs fans, considering the amazing players that have graced that club, it is quite an achievement. While he isn't the dominate force at Manchester City that he once was, it is his time at Arsenal that cements his place as one of the greatest premier league players.
Vieira was usually deployed in a holding midfielder role, but he was always keen to join with the attack. Scoring spectacular team goals vs Liverpool and Chelsea, he was always a leader, especially when it came to the biggest games. His crowning moment came in the 2005 FA Cup final, scoring the winning penalty against Manchester United. His intense rivalry with Roy Keane is the probably the greatest rivalry between two players ever seen in England.
Dennis Bergkamp: Forward
Premier League Club: Arsenal
Premier League Appearances: 316
Goals: 87
One of the best foreign imports into the premier league, Bergkamp could do things with a football that just made people stop and stare in amazement. His goal against Newcastle will go down as one of the greatest ever, almost impossible to describe because no words can do justice to the sheer brilliance of his movement and touch in that goal.
A regular feature in goal of the season competitions, Bergkamp had a desire to play the game in a beautiful way. Like Vieira he was voted in the top five greatest Arsenal players, being voted as the second greatest player second only to Thierry Henry
Premier League Appearances: 316
Goals: 87
One of the best foreign imports into the premier league, Bergkamp could do things with a football that just made people stop and stare in amazement. His goal against Newcastle will go down as one of the greatest ever, almost impossible to describe because no words can do justice to the sheer brilliance of his movement and touch in that goal.
A regular feature in goal of the season competitions, Bergkamp had a desire to play the game in a beautiful way. Like Vieira he was voted in the top five greatest Arsenal players, being voted as the second greatest player second only to Thierry Henry
Wayne Rooney: Forward
Premier League Clubs: Everton, Manchester United
Premier League Appearances: 276
Goals: 114
When Manchester United paid £26 million for him when he was only 20-years-old, there were some questions about whether it was too much to pay for someone so young. Those questions are now never raised, he is an all-action player who often made Manchester United look better than they actually were. Winning games on his own and running around all over the pitch are trademarks of the Rooney game.
There are some questions that are creeping into his game, his discipline on the field is very poor. Rooney will sometimes fly into tackles in a reckless manner, a recent elbow to the face of Wigan's James McCarthy suggests he still as a lot to learn.
His talent and impact on the league cannot be understated, and aged only 25 his best may yet still be to come.
Premier League Appearances: 276
Goals: 114
When Manchester United paid £26 million for him when he was only 20-years-old, there were some questions about whether it was too much to pay for someone so young. Those questions are now never raised, he is an all-action player who often made Manchester United look better than they actually were. Winning games on his own and running around all over the pitch are trademarks of the Rooney game.
There are some questions that are creeping into his game, his discipline on the field is very poor. Rooney will sometimes fly into tackles in a reckless manner, a recent elbow to the face of Wigan's James McCarthy suggests he still as a lot to learn.
His talent and impact on the league cannot be understated, and aged only 25 his best may yet still be to come.
Alan Shearer: Forward
Premier League Clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle
Premier League Appearances: 441
Goals: 260
Alan Shearer is often seen as the best English forward in recent history, a typical number nine, he could score all manner of goals. Indeed of the 206 Newcastle goals he scored, 49 came from his head. He was however far from being one-dimensional, able to smash home free-kicks or volleys from long range, he is the standard for which many number 9 forwards are held against.
He was considered to be a very physical player, never afraid to return the treatment given to him by premier league centre-backs. His decision to join his home town club Newcastle instead of Manchester United is seen as a great mark of his passion and commitment to that club.
Premier League Appearances: 441
Goals: 260
Alan Shearer is often seen as the best English forward in recent history, a typical number nine, he could score all manner of goals. Indeed of the 206 Newcastle goals he scored, 49 came from his head. He was however far from being one-dimensional, able to smash home free-kicks or volleys from long range, he is the standard for which many number 9 forwards are held against.
He was considered to be a very physical player, never afraid to return the treatment given to him by premier league centre-backs. His decision to join his home town club Newcastle instead of Manchester United is seen as a great mark of his passion and commitment to that club.
Cristiano Ronaldo: Forward
Premier League Club: Manchester United
Premier League Appearances: 196
Goals: 84
Winner of numerous world awards, the first ever player to win the Puskas Award for best goal, a 40-yard screamer against Porto, Ronaldo is in the top five players in the whole world. Unplayable whenever he took to the pitch, Ronaldo is a physical freak of a player. Tall and good in the air he is also one of the quickest players in the world, especially with the ball. Real Madrid paid an astonishing £80 million for him, but considering the endless highlight reels he has created, it is not a unexpected amount of money to pay for someone with his skills.
When he came to the premier league he was seen as a one trick pony, someone who could only do step-overs then lose the ball. He quickly turned this around, scoring spectacular goals with either foot, there appears to be nothing he cannot do in an attacking sense. He is not only great in open play, his set pieces are also legendary, in particular a free-kick against Portsmouth appeared to defy the logic of what is physically capable to do with a football.
Premier League Appearances: 196
Goals: 84
Winner of numerous world awards, the first ever player to win the Puskas Award for best goal, a 40-yard screamer against Porto, Ronaldo is in the top five players in the whole world. Unplayable whenever he took to the pitch, Ronaldo is a physical freak of a player. Tall and good in the air he is also one of the quickest players in the world, especially with the ball. Real Madrid paid an astonishing £80 million for him, but considering the endless highlight reels he has created, it is not a unexpected amount of money to pay for someone with his skills.
When he came to the premier league he was seen as a one trick pony, someone who could only do step-overs then lose the ball. He quickly turned this around, scoring spectacular goals with either foot, there appears to be nothing he cannot do in an attacking sense. He is not only great in open play, his set pieces are also legendary, in particular a free-kick against Portsmouth appeared to defy the logic of what is physically capable to do with a football.
Thierry Henry: Forward
Premier League Club: Arsenal
Premier League Appearances: 254
Goals: 174
Before joining Arsenal, Henry was generally played in a winger role. Wenger changed this straight away, moving him into playing as a forward, and Henry proceeded to destroy premier league defenses. Wenger, one of the leagues greatest managers, said of Henry "Thierry Henry could take ball in the middle of park and score a goal that no one else in the world could score".
Henry was almost flawless when faced one-on-one with a keeper, combined with his electric pace he scored typical striker goals. Although he is more fondly remembered for his superb long-range goals that light up the premier league. Unlike many strikers Henry was a fantastic team player, directly setting up 50 goals between 2002 and 2005.
Premier League Appearances: 254
Goals: 174
Before joining Arsenal, Henry was generally played in a winger role. Wenger changed this straight away, moving him into playing as a forward, and Henry proceeded to destroy premier league defenses. Wenger, one of the leagues greatest managers, said of Henry "Thierry Henry could take ball in the middle of park and score a goal that no one else in the world could score".
Henry was almost flawless when faced one-on-one with a keeper, combined with his electric pace he scored typical striker goals. Although he is more fondly remembered for his superb long-range goals that light up the premier league. Unlike many strikers Henry was a fantastic team player, directly setting up 50 goals between 2002 and 2005.
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