The Premier League has been home to some of the brightest football talents in the world since its establishment in 1992. The English top flight has seen everything from deadly goal scorers to ruthless defenders. Here is a list of some of the most outstanding players in the league’s history.
Alan Shearer
- Position: Striker
- Clubs: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United
- Premier League Appearances: 441
- Goals: 260
Alan Shearer is among the leading goal scorers of all time, scoring 260 goals. Most defenders feared him because he could always finish in style using his legs or head. He won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers in the 1994-95 season and won the Golden Boot Award thrice.
Ryan Giggs
- Position: Winger
- Clubs: Manchester United
- Premier League Appearances: 632
- Goals: 109
Ryan led the Red Devils to 13 Premier League titles. He was one of the fastest footballers and probably the best dribblers in the league. He could also deliver excellent crosses. The English Premier League First Division’s debut match was in 1991, and it continued to play in the highest division until 2014.
Thierry Henry
- Position: Forward
- Clubs: Arsenal
- Premier League Appearances: 258
- Goals: 175
Thierry is possibly the best striker to have played in the Premier League. He was fast, with great close control, the best dribbling skills, and the best finishing. With Arsenal’s Invincibles squad, Thierry won two Premier League titles, four Golden Boots.
Paul Scholes
- Position: Midfielder
- Clubs: Manchester United
- Premier League Appearances: 499
- Goals: 184
Paul Scholes is arguably one of the finest central midfielders to have played the game. He was able to hit wide rage passes and put it straight on his teammate’s foot. In addition to his passing, Scholes was also a fabulous ball striker. He netted 184 goals from long-range during his 499 appearances in the top flight.
Frank Lampard
- Position: Midfielder
- Clubs: West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City
- Premier League Appearances: 609
- Goals: 177
Another Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard, is also the league’s highest goalscoring midfielder. Furthermore, his late runs into the box and scoring crucial goals define him as one of the best. Lampard has experienced both personal and collective success with Chelsea and won three Premier League championships.
Steven Gerrard
- Position: Midfielder
- Clubs: Liverpool
- Premier League Appearances: 504
- Goals: 120
Steven Gerrard never won the Premier League, but he is considered one of the best players in the top flight. He earned that honour by showcasing his leadership skills, powerful shots, and memorable displays in big games.
John Terry
- Position: Defender
- Clubs: Chelsea
- Premier League Appearances: 492
- Goals: 41
In defence, John Terry was the backbone of Chelsea for almost twenty years. He skippered the Blues to five Premier League championships. Terry’s strength and defensive skills made him one of the best central defenders in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo
- Position: Forward
- Clubs: Manchester United
- Premier League Appearances: 196
- Goals: 84
Each season, the Portugal international improved from a tricky winger to a top player in Manchester. Ronaldo’s fancy footwork, athleticism, and goalscoring menace helped the Red Devils win three Premier League trophies in a row.
Sergio Agüero
- Position: Striker
- Clubs: Manchester City
- Premier League Appearances: 275
- Goals: 185
Sergio Agüero and consistency go hand in hand. By the time he retired from professional football, his success in the goal zone had brought him the status of the highest-scoring foreigner in the history of the Premier League.
These nine talented footballers in the English Premier League added value to the other team members. They created history in the competitive football world, thus setting the standards for the incoming generations.
FAQs
How is a team promoted to the Premier League?
Teams are promoted to the Premier League depending on their performance in a specific season at the English Football League Championship. The top two earn a direct ticket to the top flight, while the third to sixth positions battle for the final slot.
Are fans allowed to place bets on Premier League matches?
Fans can bet on Premiere League football matches in various countries. Gambling is legal and well-regulated, meaning the fans can place different bets, such as match outcomes, player bets, or long-term bets on which team will win the competition.
What happens when a team finishes at the bottom?
The bottom three teams at the end of the Premier League are relegated to the second English football tier, the Championship.