The 50 Greatest Footballers of the EPL: 1992 - 2010

As this is going to be a very long slide show i won't bore you with facts that most of you already know, I will just give a small description as to why they deserve to be on here and what makes them stand out from the rest. 

The order may no be entirely accurate as one may think so keep an opened mind.

50: Yakubu

Many would consider Yakubu as one of the biggest let downs in football, he has one of the worst finishes in todays game and as his age is catching up with him he surely is not the spectacle he once was.

However Yakubu will be regarded as one of Portsmouth's true legends, after his spell with Israeli team Maccabi Haifa he helped Portsmouth into Division one of the EPL.

Yakubu has also played for EPL teams Everton and Middlesbrough, his size and presence of the field are perhaps his greatest assets. 

He Has scored over 60 goals in the EPL, and is one of Africa's and Nigeria's most succesful stars to enter the EPL.

49: Matt Le Tissier

Tissier is one of the EPL and Southampton FC highest goal scorers of all time, he has scored more then 100 goals for the club.

48: Emile Heskey

Heskey has very similar attributes to Yakubu, they are both big, strong forwards with a nack of scoring goals when needed. 

Heskey has played for a handful of Premier League teams including Leicester City, Wigan, Aston Villa, Birmingham and most notably Liverpool. Where he was part of Liverpool's trebele winning team of 2000/2001.

He was Liverpool's highest transfer record at one time, setting the record with an 11 million pound transfer from Leicester City. Heskey has played an important role for both his clubs and England, he has also won many honors and achievements in his illustrious career such as...

Liverpool

FA Cup

Uefa Cup

Uefa Super Cup

Community Sheild

47: Sami Hyypia

Hyypia or the tower of power, is one of Liverpool FC greatest CB in the modern game. Not only was the Fin International an inspiration to the team, he also captained them to FA Cup glory in Liverpool FC treble winning season.

Hyypia was known for scoring the majority of his goals from set pieces and with headers in the box. He has scored 22 goals for Liverpool, impressive for a CB.

Liverpool

FA Cup 2000, 2006

League Cup 2001, 2003

Uefa Cup 2001

Champions League 2005

Community Sheild 2001 2005

46: Ray Parlour

Parlour or the Romford Pele as nicknamed during his time with Arsenal FC, is one of the clubs true legends.

Parlour has won 3 premier league championships with Arsenal FC, he was also part of the Invincible, when Arsenal when 49 games unbeaten. Known for his ability to go forward and assist in goals, he was truly an inspiration at Arsenal.

Parlour has also played for Hull City and Middlesbrough 

45: Harry Kewell

Harry Kewell is defiantly one of the greatest players to ever grace the EPL, he was part of the Golden Era with Leeds United, who took part in the Uefa Champions League in 1999. During the 1999/2000 season Kewell was one of the most promising stars in the EPL, he was targeted by many football clubs such as Intermilan, Manchester united and Arsenal. however after much speculation Kewell joined Liverpool FC.

Kewell has scored more then 60 goals in all competitions in the first division for Leeds and Liverpool. He was instrumental on the left wing, with the ability to pass through defense with ease, his display against Manchester united was something of pure class as he secured Leeds victory in both fixtures of the season.

Liverpool

Uefa Champions League

Fa Cup

44: Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas is currently the captain of Arsenal FC and although he is only 23 years of age he has become one of the greatest midfielder's in the game today. He has already made more assists the Steven Gerrard.

43: Jermanie Defoe

Believe it or not Defoe has managed to hit 100 goals in the EPL.Out of all the top teams he has played for, he is most noted for playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Defoe is one of England's true stars, he has the ability to cripple a team on any given day, his performance against Wigan last season was a glimpse into the Striker potential and capabilities, in which he scored 5 of the 9 goals in a 9-1 thrashing.

42: Mark Viduka

Viduka is Australia's most prolific goal scorers in both the national level and at club level. He missed out on scoring his century by 4 goals, he has played for such clubs as Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Leeds united.

41: Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole has become a real great LB in the last several years in the EPL. He played for Arsenal FC and is currently signed to local rivals Chelsea. He has won several major League cups with both teams and is one of the highest paid footballers in today's game.

40: Gary Neville

Neville has been a long serving servant to Manchester united over the past decade or so. He is the current captain of the team and is known through out United as Mr. Reliable.

his work ethic for a defender is second to none, his ability to draw adrenaline from his fellow peers is truly something to behold, along with a good manager and team Neville has had the luxury of having a great team being built around him. His brother Phil Neville has also played for Manchester united, however he i snot quite up to the standards of big bro.

39: Jamie Carragher

Carragher is one of Liverpool's longest serving players for the clubs, coming up from Liverpool youth system, he is regarded by many as the heart and soul of the Reds.

Carragher has the ability to dominate the opposition at all angles and positions, for a 35 year old he still has the quality and grace of a younger Jamie Carragher. 

38: Robert Pires

Pires is definitely a great player especially for the position he holds, he has scored a lot of goals for midfielder more the Steven Gerrard and other great midfielder's.

Pires was considered an influential part of Wenger's Invincible team, it was his passes and assists to the likes of Bergkamp and Henry that allowed Arsenal to capitalize on the opposition. Pires played his last match for Arsenal in the Champions League final o 2006, where he had to be substituted in the early minutes of the game after Lehmann was red carded. This marked the end for what many consider to be a great career for a great player.

37: Nikalas Anelka

The First of Many Centurions to make the top 50 list, Anelka is one of those players who has played for everyone and anyone, however it is because of this fact that many regard the Former French International as a below par striker who can't seem to find the right club.

He has played for Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Bolton, Real MAdrid and Chelsea. Where he currently partners Drogba up front. With great French Internationals such as henry and Trezeguet, Anelka has always seemed to be an underrated player for his generation, however any team that manages to get a hold of Anelka, be sure to reek the benefits. 

36: Carloz Tevez

He maybe new to the EPL, however after only 4 seasons in the EPL, he has already scored 50 EPL goals.

Tevez has become one of the most controversial and finest players to enter the modern game today. He has played for such clubs as Manchester City, Manchester united and West Ham United.

Tevez has quickly adapted into one of the leagues top players, he finished fourth last season with 24 goals loosing out to Didier Drogba. He is currently the captain of Manchester City.

35: Fernando Torres

Like Tevez, Torres has only been in the EPL for a very brief period, yet he has scored nearly 80 goals for his club, something which has taken others several seasons to accomplish.

Torres is a very talented striker, whose technique and skills are hailed at Anfield. Torres has managed to surpass Owen and Fowler's record of most goals in one season, when he scored 30+ goals in the 2008/2009 season.

34: John Terry

John Terry is regarded by many as one of the greatest CB's in the world at the moment. He is a superior force at the back, he is able to command the line, showing that he has great organisation and leadership qualities. 

He is also known for his goal scoring and aerial abiltiy. 

33: Rio Ferdinand

Rio like John is regarded as one of the best CB of his generation. He joined Manchester united for 30 million pounds in mid 2000, becoming one of the most expensive players in the world. He is currently the captain of England's  national team. However due to injury Steven Gerrard has taken that responsiblity. 

32: Edwin Van Der Sar

The Dutchman has become a very inspirational force in Manchester, he has managed to full the void of past great united Goal Keepers, whit excellent vision and determination.

He has won 3 league titles with the Devils alongs with a Champions League, Fa Cup and other sevral honours. 

31: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Has become the highest Dutch goal scorer for the Netherlands in the EPL, overall he has scored more then 100 goals while playing for clubs such as Chelsea, Leeds and Middlesbrough.

30: Peter Cech

Currently regarded as the greatest goal keeper in the world, the Chelsea man has kept more clean sheets then any other goal keeper in the EPL in the last few seasons, with Reina and Van Der sar both coming close.

For a tall individual he has the ability to stretch great distances, he is also great at stopping penalties and  has become a fan favorite at the Bridge.

29: Robbie Keane

Robbie Keane has managed to become one of Ireland's greatest players, both nationally and at club level. 

He has scored over 100 goals in the EPL, having played for such teams as Liverpool. Leeds and Tottenham. he is known for his consistency and determination to score goals for his team. 

Keane is currently on the verge of joining Newcastle united.

28: Ruud Van Nistelrooy

Van Nistelrooy definitely proved his worth when he joined Manchester united for 19 Million pounds. In his first season he scored 23 goals in 35 appearances, he broke EPL records by scoring in 8 consecutive games, a record that was previously held by Shearer, Henry and Stein.

Ruud has a very impressive goal to appearance ratio having scored over 100 goals in just 150+ appearences. 

27: David Seaman

Played for Arsenal for 10 years + winning the league title on 3 occassions.

26: Steve McManaman

Steve McManaman has become one of the most decorated players to have played European football in terms of trophies won, he played for clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool Fc, who he captained. He was the first British player to win the Champions League Twice.

He has appeared over 200 times for the Reds socring over 50 goals for the club.

25: Dwight Yorke

Yorke has become one of the most prolific goal scorers of the EPL, he along with Andy Cole became a fundamental part of United glory in the late 90's, he was part of there treble winning season. he has scored over 100 goals for the club and become Trinidad and Tobagos most beloved star.

24: Ole Gunner Solskjaer

Solskjaer has scored 126 goals for the Red Devils in 266 appearances. Solksjaer is known for his amazing ability to get pass his marker.

23: John Barnes

John Barnes is one of Liverpool FC's true icons and heroes. He has appeared over 200 times for the reds and has scored over 100 goals for the club in all competitions.

He is one of Enagland's most covenant black stars, he held the record of 79 caps for the national team.

22: Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney is one of the EPL most promising stars, he has become United top scorer for the past two seasons, when the likes of Tevez and Ronaldo played alongside Rooney, they became known as the untouchables as they powered through the opposition with deadly effect.

At only 24 years of age Rooney has already scored 90 goals for united  in 190 appearance surely a United Legend in the making. 

21: Andy Cole

Andy Cole was one of United most prolific goal scorers, alongside Yorke they were one of the most imposing duo's in the EPL. he reached in his century and has become the fourth highest goal scorer in the EPL.

20: Geo Franco Zola

Zola is one of Chelsea's legends, he was known as one of the greatest Italian players to ever play for the EPL, having scored over 50 goals for the Blues. 

19: Ian Wright

Ian Wright was Arsenal top scorer at one stage before Thierry henry smashed his record. 

18: Tony Adams

Tony Adams is perhaps Arsenal greatest ever defender, he played or the Gunners for 22 years in which time he captained and won the EPL on a few occasions. 

17: Eric Cantona

Cantona is a former Captain and Striker who played for Manchester united for seven years. He captained the team to success during the 1996/1997 season where united retained the league. 

16: Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo became one of the most popular players in the EPL when he played football for Manchester united. His looks along with his amazing footballing skills made Ronaldo a household name around the world. Ronaldo is known for his tricks, set pieces and ability to make any team look foolish, he has won the PFA. 

Ronaldo joined Real Madrid for a reported 80 million pounds. He broke all transfer records, his contract currently has a 1 billion pounds buy out close. 

Ronaldo has scored 84 goals in 196 appearances. 

15: Frank Lampard

Lampard is one of Chelsea's and England's top stars, he has scored over 100 goals for Chelsea and West Ham combined. He has a grewat record from the penalt spot and on set pieces. 

14: Roy Keane

Roy Keane is known for his amazing ability to control the midfield, he is noted for his aggressive and competitive style of play. This is helped by his short tempered nature which was seen during his time with United.

Keane has captained United for several years and on 2005 he ended his playing career with the Devils after appearing for the club in over 300 occasions.

13: Steven Gerrard

Gerrard has become Liverpool FC most beloved player in the last 15 years of the clubs history. Generally a central midfielder, however since the arrival of Torres he has become a Secondary Striker, whose job it is to assist Torres in scoring goals, in the 2008/2009 season Torres and Gerrard became a dominate force, rattling the very fabric of the EPL, they scored more the 50 goals between them.

Gerrard is the current skipper of the Club, he has made over 300 appearences for the club and has socred over 100 goals for the team in all competitions. He is hailed as the come Back Kid due to his ability to surge the team foward as seen in both the FA Cup and Champions League FInal where Liverpool were facing defeat from there opposition however he managed to secure 2 victories from both games.  

12: Patrice Viera

Viera was the former captain of the successful Arsenal squad which achieved the impossible in the 2003 season when they went undefeated for a whole season. 

Viera is not your every day DMF, he has the ability to score goals and create them as well as holding the defensive line. He currently plays for Manchester City.

11: Paul Scholes

Paul Scholes has been part of the United outfit since 1994, in which time he has won over 10 EPL cups, 2 Champions Leagues and several other honors.

He has won the hearts of many, for his lotyalty and determination he brings to the club on a weekly basis. He has scored over 100 goals for the club.

10: David Beckham

David Beckham will go down in history as one of England's and united's greatest players. He has more caps then anyone for the national team, he has also captained united to major success, he has also played for AC Milan, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy.

David is one of the greatest free kick takers to grace the game, Roberto Carlos has gone on the record to state that Beckham is the best at taking Free Kicks. In fact the majority of his goals for united are from set pieces.  

9: Peter Schmeichel

Without a doubt the greatest Goal Keeper in the history of the EPL. He was voted the best goal keeper in the world in the 1992 and 1993 season.

He is best remembered for his success at English club Manchester united, whom he captained to the 1999 Champiosn League to complete There Treble winning season.

8: Didier Drogba

Drogba’s overall work ethic, primarily his focus on defense as well as his great teamwork with anelka this season, and lampard in seasons prior. I think out of all these players, none of them provide as much as Drogba does, drogba does so much more than the archetypal striker, and that his overall contributions make him invaluable to his team, and quite possibly the best striker in the premiership if not the prototype for future strikers primarily with his blend of power, pace, aerial prowess, dribbling, reaction speed, defensive instinct, and set piece dominance, as well as good if not decent finishing.

7: Ryan Giggs

Giggs has played for Manchester united for over 20years, he has appeared for the club over 590 times, in which time he has scored 100+ goals which is very impressive for a midfielder. 

Even though Giggs is 26 years of age he still manages to put on match winning performances week in week out. he won the sports personality of the year last year for his contributions to football and united.

6: Michael Owen

Owen will go down in history as one of Liverpool FC greatest talents, he has scored over 100 goals for the club, and is in the top 10 of all time goal scorers in the history of the EPL.

Owen was instrumental to Liverpool's treble winning season as he single handedly defeated Arsenal to capture the FA Cup, scoring 2 goals in the last 10 minutes of the match.

Owen was sold to Real Madrid for 8 million, ever since then Liverpool has not been the club it once was, however with Torres now at the helm of the strike force Liverpool seem to be taking a huge step forward. 

5: Dennis Bergkamp

Bergkamp signed for Arsenal in 1995, and it was under manager Arsene Wenger he played his best football.Dennis won three Premier League Titles and four FA Cup winners medals.He retired in 2006 having scored 120 goals in 423 games for the Gunners.

One of the great football playmakers the game has seen.His superb passing , skillful free kicks and decisive scoring instinct made the Dutch international the star what he is today. Bergkamp captained Arsenal to there first ever Champions League final, however they fell short after Barcelona scored two quick goals, thus shattering the dreams of every Gunner in the world.

4: Terry Sheringham

Terry Sherringham has become one of the greatest players in England, having played for a handful of top teams including West Ham, Nottingham Forrest, Tottenham and Manchester United. 

Sheringham is in the top ten of all time goal scorers in the EPL.

3: Alan Shearer

For me one of the greatest there is in the England, He has managed to become the leading goal scorer in the EPL with 260 goals and if you ask me it does not look like he will be toppled any time soon, unless Lampard has something to say about it.

Shearer was part of the Blackburn team that won the EPL in 1996/1997 season, under the guidance of Liverpool Legend Kenny Dalglish. Shearer however played the rest and majority of his career at Newcastle United, winning several honours with the club. He was also the manager of the Magpies for a brief period before there RElegation into the second division.

2: Robbie Fowler

God AKA Robbie Fowler is definitely one of the EPL true Icons of his generation.

Fowler unlike Torres and Owen has become immortalized at Merseyside, he has scored over 200 goals for the club in all competitions, he captained the team to success in the FA and League cup of Liverpool treble winning season. 

Fowler is also recognized for his amazing scoring capabilities with an impressive goal to appearance ratio. He re identified the game with his quick and decisive style of play, he hold the record for the quickest hattrick in the EPL 3 minutes.

1: Thiery Henry

Thierry Henry is for me the greatest player to ever grace the EPL, he had a perfect team to go along with his special skills, when combined they became one of the most deadliest combos of all time. 

Henry has scored over 200 goals for Arsenal, he is the second all time goal scorer in the EPL behind Alan Shearer. 

The reason why I felt henry should be number one as oppose to the rest was because unlike the others he had the ability to do more with the ball i.e. set pieces, dribbling, finishing and curling. Alongside Denis Bergkamp they became one of the deadliest pairs in the EPL, Henry was part of the Invincible team that went unbeaten in 49 games. 

Henry departure from Arsenal, has left the club in shock, however with the likes of Walcott and others finally finding form it wont be long before Arsenal become the threat they once was.