The Face of Every EPL Team

Every elite football club has that one figure who stands head and shoulders above the rest.

First and foremost, they are a superb playing talent, but they also have the potential as a charismatic leader.

This of course goes for every Premier League outfit, each of whom boast a stellar array of players, even if they simmer somewhere closer to the basement.

More often than not, this star will be one of the more long-term staples of the roster, one who truly understands the ideals of their fraternity and is usually adored by the fans who support them.

Not always is it the best or most talented player who sticks out as the “face” of their club, but more the one who combines that pedigree with a bigger understanding of the crest they fight for on a weekly basis.

Arsenal: Jack Wilshere

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There’s arguably nothing more satisfying in football than seeing a young prodigy successfully rise through the ranks of an elite European giant to then go on and star as part of their first team.

Especially considering that the English grassroots system isn’t at its most productive right now, Jack Wilshere’s journey from Arsenal academy hopeful to England international is truly encouraging.

Despite the hundreds of millions of pounds spent in all other areas of the squad, it’s ultimately a nominal 2001 arrival from Luton Town’s youth ranks that’s currently the most loved by the Gunners masses.

Although Wilshere isn’t going through his most successful period right now, it would take an awful lot to prise the Emirates academy graduate, who’s scored just one Premier League goal for Arsenal, away from his current surroundings.

Honourable Mention: Mesut Ozil

Aston Villa: Christian Benteke

Several months ago, Christian Benteke’s wavering loyalties may have seen him excluded as even a candidate to be considered as the face of Aston Villa.

However, after putting pen to paper over a four-year extension at Villa Park earlier this summer, the Belgian’s commitment to the Birmingham club’s cause is at its least questionable right now.

To further cement his place as the club’s most adored figure right now, Benteke has built on his tally of 23 goals under Paul Lambert last season, scoring five in his first six appearances of the current campaign.

Strikers often get the added benefit of being the ones whom everyone loves for doing the exact deed that everyone loves to see—goal-scoring. 

But the 22-year-old is awfully good at what he does.

Honourable Mention: Gabriel Agbonlahor

Cardiff City: Peter Whittingham

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For some six years now, Peter Whittingham’s left foot has helped guide Cardiff City through thick and thin, eventually playing a leading hand in their promotion to the Premier League.

Of course, there is a lot more to the Nuneaton native than just a sweet left peg, and Whittingham’s qualities as a leader in the Bluebirds’ squad accounts for a great deal of his importance.

With over 300 appearances for the Welsh capital club, the former Aston Villa man has been present in each of the club’s near misses on promotion, too, experiencing every emotional leap along with his fans.

Twenty-nine-year-old Whittingham might not have the flash of some other leading Premier League figures or even some of Malky Mackay’s more recent purchases, but there’s a lot to be said for the sentiment he shares with Cardiff City.

Honourable Mention: Craig Bellamy

Chelsea: Frank Lampard

The highest-ever scoring Premier League midfielder, Frank Lampard might just be the face of Chelsea in its entirety, never mind just looking at the current sample of players at the club right now.

Earlier this year, the 35-year-old scored his 203rd goal for the Blues to surpass Bobby Tambling's Chelsea scoring record.

In 2001, Lampard came to Stamford Bridge from West Ham as one of England’s most promising young talents, not too long after Harry Redknapp painted the starlet out as a future superstar for club and country.

The player’s uncle would turn out to be painfully accurate in his predictions, with Lampard going on to enjoy massive success in West London, including three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Champions League crown and a Europa League title.

Honourable Mention: John Terry

Crystal Palace: Julian Speroni

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The only surviving member of Crystal Palace’s squad from their 2004/05 Premier League campaign, Julian Speroni’s 300-plus appearance for the Eagles make him a rare commodity in the English top flight.

Now having been at the club for more than nine years, the Argentine has the opportunity to break into Palace’s top 10 in terms of all time appearances. Bob Greener’s record of 317 outings for the club is the first name to overcome on that list.

Although it’s hard to qualify exactly how close a move will have come, one can bet that Speroni’s form at Selhurst Park will have been enough to attract the attention of other clubs, but it’s in South London that the stopper’s remained.

In almost a decade with the club, Speroni has been elected Player of the Year on three occasions and has given the Selhurst support a lot to be jovial about over the years.

Honourable Mention: Mile Jedinak

Everton: Leighton Baines

With sideburns as lustrous as Sir Bradley Wiggins’, Leighton Baines is without a doubt the player Everton look to when they find themselves in a squeeze.

Just last weekend, the star left-back contributed two superb free-kicks to give Everton a crucial 3-2 victory over West Ham, showing just how consistent his talismanic talents can be.

Baines arrived at Goodison Park in 2007 after impressing greatly as part of Wigan Athletic’s rise through the English hierarchy, but he has since completed his evolution as one of Europe’s finest defenders.

Last season, according to Squawka, the 28-year-old created no less than 116 scoring chances for the Toffees, giving his Merseyside followers all the more reason to regard him as the club’s most important figure.

To illustrate Baines’ presence as Everton’s face, one only need envisage just how much the club’s quality would be affected were he to leave—the impact being massive.

Honourable Mention: Leon Osman

Fulham: Dimitar Berbatov

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Despite arriving at Fulham just over 12 months ago, Dimitar Berbatov has quickly rid himself of the demons that marred the final months of his Manchester United career, becoming somewhat of a fan favourite at Fulham.

Wherever the Bulgarian has gone in his Premier League career, be it White Hart Lane, Old Trafford or now Craven Cottage, Berbatov has always been followed by an impressive scoring ratio, not by coincidence.

Last term, the 32-year-old netted 15 goals during his first season as a Fulham player and immediately enamoured himself with the West London club.

There are few other figures in Martin Jol’s side who combine frequent match impact with a charismatic and entertaining persona as often as Berbatov does.

Honourable Mention: Brede Hangeland

Hull City: Robbie Brady

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As is often the case with promoted clubs, there aren’t many players in Steve Bruce’s Hull City squad that have been a part of the KC Stadium for more than a season or two.

Robbie Brady is another of those fairly green stars, having only come to be a part of the Yorkshire club in January of this year after several consecutive spells on loan as a Tiger.

The former Manchester United academy prospect has had a direct hand in three of Hull’s five Premier League goals this season, scoring two goals and grabbing an assist.

Bruce can be over the moon at having snapped up the 21-year-old, who is bound to play a massive part in whether the club manage to retain their status in the English top flight come May of next year.

Honourable Mention: Robert Koren

Liverpool: Steven Gerrard

Ask any member of the Liverpool faithful as to who the face of their club is and it would be considered sacrilege by some for “Steven Gerrard” not to be the next words uttered.

It was in November 1998 that an aspiring Anfield academy product made his first-team debut for the Reds. Not so long afterwards, “Stevie G” was born.

In almost 15 years as a Premier League player, Gerrard has notched up more than 630 appearances for Liverpool under six different managers.

The 33-year-old has been a talismanic figure in any success the club has come across in that space of time, including their two FA Cup triumphs, Champions League crown and a number of other accolades.

Despite his older age, Gerrard continues to play the role of premier puppeteer in Brendan Rodgers’ ranks and is one of only a few players the Kop can rely on to give their all for 90 minutes every time he dons the jersey.

A one-club man of the highest calibre, it will be a sad day in the Liverpool legacy when Gerrard decides to eventually call it a day, but it’s a thought any fan of the club will stave off with some determination.

Honourable Mention: Daniel Agger

Manchester City: Vincent Kompany

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It was largely thanks to the defensive influence of Vincent Kompany that Manchester City were ever able to challenge for their maiden Premier League title, never mind win it.

However, over the course of the 2011-12 season, the Belgian marauder stood out as the Citizens’ best player and was deservedly elected Premier League Player of the Year for his leading contributions.

How ironic it is that for all the hundreds of millions City have spent on squad renovations since the 2008 takeover of Sheikh Mansour, it’s a measly £6 million purchase from Hamburg that goes on to become essentially the club’s most important player.

Despite the myriad of attacking superstars at the Etihad Stadium, it’s ultimately their Mr. Reliable at centre-back whose image of lifting the Premier League trophy will forever be entwined with City’s history.

Honourable Mention: Pablo Zabaleta

Manchester United: Rio Ferdinand

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Just as Manchester City’s most significant asset is their chief defensive player, bitter rivals Manchester United also look toward a centre-back figure as the face of their club.

Although born in southeast London, Rio Ferdinand is as loyal a Red Devil as they come and has paid back the £30 million fee that brought him to Old Trafford from Leeds United in 2002, and then some.

While Ryan Giggs undoubtedly upholds similar beliefs, Ferdinand has the added bonus of still playing a very essential figure in United’s line-up. Moreover, Giggs’ first-team influence has been gradually withering for some time now.

With over 400 appearances for United during the last 11 years, the 34-year-old central defender has grown to become one of the strongest assets the reigning Premier League champions have ever boasted.

Honourable Mention: Ryan Giggs

Newcastle United: Steven Taylor

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Newcastle United’s 2009 relegation from the Premier League was an incredibly tough period for all at the club and signalled the departure of more than a few of the side’s stars.

One of those who stuck around and fought to see his side return to the English top flight was Steven Taylor.

He successfully helped propel the Magpies back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Aside from a month-long loan to Wycombe Wanderers in the 2003-04 season, the Greenwich-born defender hasn’t played anywhere except for his hometown outfit and the fans love him because of it.

Battling through numerous knee concerns, the 27-year-old has maintained his spot as Newcastle’s long-term staple at centre-back after joining the club’s academy at the age of nine.

Honourable Mention: Hatem Ben Arfa

Norwich City: Robert Snodgrass

Norwich are another club relying mainly on players who’ve spent little more than a season or two at Carrow Road, but have nevertheless unearthed a sample of players adored by their supporters.

Arriving from Leeds United last summer, Robert Snodgrass’s input in the 2012/13 campaign was essential in keeping the Canaries’ heads above water.

The 26-year-old’s tally of six goals and eight assists means the Scot was just shy of finishing the season as the club’s top scorer. Grant Holt’s score of eight just edging it.

Although Chris Hughton’s summer activity has seen the Norfolk outfit aim for an altogether higher quality of player, it’s the humble beginnings from which Norwich still aren’t too far from that emulate the club’s personal signature best of all. 

While they may be striving to get away from that very notion, Snodgrass remains the best kind of hard-working, understated yet productive asset that Norwich have become slightly renowned for of late.

Honourable Mention: Wes Hoolahan

Southampton: Rickie Lambert

This is the rags to riches tale that everyone’s become familiar with in the last year or so.

England international Rickie Lambert has been the driving force behind Southampton’s upward movements for some years now.

Signed from Bristol Rovers for a fee in the region of £1 million, it’s difficult to actually quantify just how many times over Lambert has repaid his 2009 transfer sum, scoring just shy of 100 goals while at St. Mary’s.

In two of his five seasons as a Saint, the 31-year-old has scored upwards of 30 goals and also managed to net an impressive 15 times in his first Premier League term.

Like Norwich, Southampton are now gravitating towards more expensive, illustrious signatures but can’t escape that their most valuable players are the ones that got them to where they are in the first place.

Honourable Mention: Luke Shaw

Stoke City: Ryan Shawcross

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Not without his controversial moments as a Potter, Ryan Shawcross almost summarises the tough, physical exterior that Stoke City have become famous—and infamous—for in recent years.

The Manchester United academy graduate is vilified by some as the man who caused the double break of Aaron Ramsey’s leg in a February 2010 clash with Arsenal, but loved by others for the manner in which he goes about his business.

Alongside Robert Huth, Shawcross has formed an effective centre-back partnership, at times showcasing the kind of stubbornness that some European outfits could learn from.

From his Championship beginnings with the Potters, the 25-year-old defender has been with Stoke through both good times and bad since arriving at the club in the winter of 2008.

Honourable Mention: Jonathan Walters

Sunderland: Adam Johnson

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Although brought up in County Durham, Sunderland-born Adam Johnson eventually found his way back to the Stadium of Light, although it took spells at Middlesbrough, Manchester City and even a youth stint at Newcastle United to do so.

At the time of writing, the Black Cats find themselves in a state of disarray, largely due to the disharmony caused by the recently sacked Paolo Di Canio.

That being said, Johnson is likely to play a large part of any revival that might occur within his hometown club. And it would be difficult to question the commitment of a star that grew up but a few miles down the road.

The 26-year-old finds himself in a squad full of individual talents but one that’s failed to glue for large periods over the last three seasons or so.

While he might be inconsistent at times, Johnson remains one of the brightest sparks in that set-up and something altogether more inspiring especially considering that he's a local lad. 

Honourable Mention: John O’Shea

Swansea City: Ashley Williams

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Captain for club and country, Ashley Williams embodies all that Swansea City have fought so hard to obtain in their recent rise to power—international recognition.

While it would be easy to name the Michu as Michael Laudrup’s leading light given the impact he’s had on the club in the year he’s been at the Liberty Stadium, Williams’ graft over the last five years far outweighs those contributions.

Originally signed from Stockport County in 2008 for a then club record fee of £400,000, the 29-year-old has been a Swan for five-and-a-half years, helping them from League One to Premier League status and more.

Back then, to think Swansea City would not only be competing in Europe, but beating teams like Valencia in the Europa League, would have been unimaginable.

Nevertheless, Williams’ staunch consistency as centre-back has made it a reality.

Honourable Mention: Michu

Tottenham Hotspur: Mousa Dembele

In truth, picking a “face” for Tottenham Hotspur is arguably the hardest of any Premier League team.

With the departure of Gareth Bale, no one player now sticks out as necessarily the best or most talented. Instead, it has been replaced by the very thing Andre Villas-Boas and Daniel Levy will have sought in the Welshman’s absence—a squad.

It’s a dilemma that’s both good and bad for the club at the same time, with no weak areas sticking out more than the rest but no standout leader of the pack.

However, it’s Mousa Dembele that embodies any notion of understated brilliance best, frequently doing great things for the club but rarely gaining the same plaudits the likes of Bale might have.

In little over a year at White Hart Lane, the Belgian has pencilled himself in as arguably the club’s most important player, providing a rounded and balanced presence in the hub of Andre Villas-Boas’ lineup.

Honourable Mention: Jan Vertonghen

West Brom: James Morrison

West Brom are easily one of the most money-conscious clubs in the Premier League, so it’s appropriate that the face of their fraternity is a player who himself cost little more than £1 million.

James Morrison has easily paid the Baggies back for the fee outlaid in order to bring him to the Hawthorns from Middlesbrough in 2007.

The 27-year-old has since been with the club through their highs and lows, enjoying the taste of first-place promotion from the Championship, as well as the bitter 20th-place drop of the following Premier League season.

Morrison’s versatile midfield presence has ensured that fans have seen a very rounded production from the Scottish international and it’s only made him more likeable among fans.

In six years at the club, Morrison has pitched in with some vital goals for the club, a decent portion of which have been long-range wonders.

Honourable Mention: Shane Long

West Ham: Mark Noble

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West Ham is renowned as a family club, boasting an academy that’s produced some of England’s finest talents in recent decades.

Mark Noble has far from garnered the same playing experience as Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand or Joe Cole, but is one of a dying breed in the fact that he’s stayed a Hammer for his entire career.

Having originally joined the West Ham academy in his early teens, the 26-year-old central midfielder has since established himself as a fan favourite at Upton Park.

Noble has never been the most prolific of players but has always managed to come up with the goods when it really mattered, whether in the top flight or West Ham’s Championship campaign of 2011-12.

For more than a decade, the playmaker has lived and breathed Iron, having been born just down the road from Upton Park in almost fateful circumstance.

Honourable Mention: Kevin Nolan

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