The English Premier League has seen some of the world’s best talent since the league’s inception in 1992.
Here are the top 11 players from the Premier League players so far.
Wayne Rooney
After making an illustrious hat-trick to start his Man United career against Fenerbahce in the Champions League 2004, Wayne Rooney went on to become United’s all-team leading scorer with 253 goals. He won 16 trophies at Old Trafford, including five Premiership titles, the FA Cup, and the Champions League title in 2008. As an Evertonian, he scored his first Premier League goal at the age of sixteen against Arsenal.
Thierry Henry
The King of Arsenal, Thierry Henry remains Arsenal’s all-time scorer with 228 goals in all competitions. Gaining the reputation as one of Europe’s most feared strikers, Henry became the Premier League’s top goal-scorer in 4 different seasons, notching a prolific 32 goals and 23 assists in the 2002-03 season.
With the ability to score anywhere on the pitch, he elevated his game in the 2003-04 season, scoring 39 goals in the Gunners unbeaten top-flight league season. Considered the greatest Gunner of all-time, Henry won two league titles, three FA Cups, four Golden Boots, and five Player of the Year awards throughout his career.
Paul Scholes
Along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes played his entire career with Manchester United. In a 700-game Old Trafford career, the midfielder won a total of 25 trophies for the club, 11 of which were Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, and 2 Champions League trophies. His 155 goals make him the 10th leading club scorer of all-time.
Didier Drogba
Undoubtedly one of the greatest players in Blues’ history, Didier Drogba scored 157 goals in 341 appearances for The Blues. He also helped Chelsea equalize in the 2012 Champions League final before scoring the winning penalty against Bayern Munich. The Ivorian scored consistently in the biggest competitions, 36 goals in European matches and a goal in four FA Cup finals. The twice Premier League Golden Boot also won three League Cups.
Sergio Aguero
Considered one of the best players to don the sky blue shirt, Sergio Aguero is the team’s record goalscorer with 146 Premiership goals. In his first year with the side, he famously scored the game-winning goal in the 94th minute to beat Queens Park Rangers and win the Premier League over Manchester United. With three Premier League titles and three League Cups under his belt, Aguero looks to add more his trophy vault under coach Pep Guardiola.
Dennis Bergkamp
With creativity and vision, Dennis Bergkamp came to define class during his 11 seasons at Arsenal. He scored 120 goals with the club, most notably the one-touch and subtle flick past the Leicester City goalkeeper in 1997, where he also scored his first hat-trick. Bergkamp also recorded 94 assists during his time at Highbury, making him the Gunners top assist-provider to this day.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Once a replacement for David Beckham in 2008, Ronaldo went on to become one of the greatest footballers of all-time. He won his first Ballon d’Or at the age of 23 after an astonishing 2007-08 season with the Red Devils which saw the club win a treble of trophies including the Champions League, the Premier League title, and the FA Cup. Ronaldo left for Real Madrid the following season for a record transfer of £80 million.
Alan Shearer
Considered to be one of the best Premiership goal scorers of all-time, Alan Shearer bagged 206 goals in the 405 games in his decade-long Newcastle career. But even before his spell with The Magpies, he won Premiership player of the year in 94/95 for scoring 34 goals and leading the Blackburn Rovers to the Premier League championship.
Tony Adams
Tony Adams is an Arsenal legend, having played his entire 22-year career as center-back with the club, captaining 14 of them. He also remains the only player in Premiership history captain to win 3 titles in 3 different decades. Known as “Mr Arsenal,” Adams is one of 5 player statues commemorated at Emirates Stadium.
Patrick Viera
At 6ft 4in, the tough-tackling Frenchman played a critical role in Wenger’s squad as a box-to-box midfielder. His all-around excellence on both sides of the field earned him many plaudits, making him the Arsenal captain from 2002 – 2005. While not a prolific goalscorer, he nonetheless secured the Invincibles undefeated 2003–04 season with a crucial goal against Leicester City. His trophy haul for the Gunners includes three League titles, five FA Cups, and three English Super Cups.
Peter Schmeichel
One of the best goalkeepers of all-time, the ‘Great Dane’ Peter Schmeichel powered one of the most decorated Manchester United sides. With a commanding goal presence and quick reflexes, Schmeichel won a Champions League, five Premiership titles, three FA Cups, and a League Cup during his eight your spell with the Red Devils.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/AtilaTheHun
