The Top 25 Players in Premier League History

The English Premier League has seen some of the best players in the world playing at the highest level every week. To celebrate this, in order of position, I have ranked what I believe are the top 25 players since the premier league began back in 1992.

Some of the players included may not be leaders in statistics or medals, but they have had the greatest impact on their respective clubs and the premier league.

Honorable mentions:

Andy Cole

Didier Drogba

Les Ferdinand

Michael Owen

David Seaman

Dwight Yorke

1. 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. 

The defining moment of his career came in 2006 vs Reading. When Stephen Hunt challenged Cech for a ball he was unlikely to win, his knee connected violently with the head of Petr Cech. Whether there was intent or not is up for question, but the fact that Cech now must wear a head guard for every game he plays shows how serious the injury was. Cech returned from the life-threatening injury and performed brilliantly, cementing his place as one of the premier league's elite goalkeepers. 

2. 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.

3. 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.   

4. 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. 

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. David Beckham: Midfielder

Premier League Club: Manchester United

Premier League Appearances: 260

Goals: 60

For many, David Beckham's premier league career was far too short. He reached a point where both club and player felt he had to move on, and the premier league has always been worse off for it.

David Beckham is an icon and a role model for many and his humble nature is something other players could learn from. Even fans of other teams were made to acknowledge the outstanding skill he brought onto the pitch. No-one could move a football with as much precision and accuracy as Beckham. Many people blamed him for Englands defeat in the 1998 World cup, after he got sent off against Argentina, but he battled back and faced his critics head on, something he has never been afraid to repeat on various occasions.

Beckham was a winger who never needed pace to beat an opposing defender. He would simply move the ball out of his feet and whip it around the defender. Many consider Beckham to be the best taker of a set-piece ever to step onto the football field. David Beckham will always be known for his outstanding quality, and passion for playing the game.  

8. Cesc Fabregas: Midfielder

Premier League Club: Arsenal

Premier League Appearances: 207

Goals: 35

Although he is only 23 years of age, Fabregas appears to have been around forever, making his debut at 16 and never looking back. He is the heartbeat of the Arsenal team, taking over the mantle from Thierry Henry, something only a mentally strong person could accomplish. Fabregas also shows great maturity, his desire to rejoin Barcelona is not exactly a secret. When Arsene Wenger denied him this move he did not sulk or try and force the club, he accepted the decision and propelled Arsenal into fighting for the title. 

Fabregas can do everything from midfield, passing the ball five or 50 yards with equal accuracy, he is also now a goalscoring midfielder. He may not be the fastest player in the world yet with the ball at his feet, he can simply dribble past defenders with ease. 

9. 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 

10. 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.

11. David Ginola: Midfielder

Premier League Clubs: Aston Villa, Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League Appearances: 195

Goals: 22

Ginola came to England in 1995 and played exceptional football for Newcastle first, then Spurs, Villa and Everton before retiring in 2002. Such was his impact on world football Barcelona failed in a bid to sign him, something Ginola says is a major regret for his career. 

Ginola was said by many experts to have a magic touch, able to beat several players and then go on to put the ball in the back of the net. His most memorable moment came in an all-time great premier league game, cutting in from the left channel to hammer the ball past Peter Schmeichel.

12. Roy Keane: Midfielder

Premier League Clubs: Manchester United, Nottingham Forest

Premier League Appearances: 366

Goals: 39

Roy Keane is one of the greatest captains in Manchester United history. Comfortable on the ball he was a better player than some thought, and although he would sometimes let his team down through getting sent off, he would never shy away from any challenge. 

His best Manchester United moment actually came in the champions league. Getting a yellow card early in the semi-final second leg against Juventus, he knew he would be suspended for the final. Yet he turned in a masterful performance capped by scoring a header to spark the comeback that would put Manchester United into the final.

13. 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.

14. 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."

15. 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.

16. 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 

17. Eric Cantona: Forward

Premier League Clubs: Leeds, Manchester United

Premier League Appearances: 156

Goals: 70

When Cantona joined Manchester United, he played the greatest role in the revival of Manchester United. Helping to return the club into becoming a footballing powerhouse and turning himself into a club icon for the fans. He wore the famous number seven shirt, and never let the number down. Known to Manchester United fans as "King Eric" he was voted the greatest Manchester United player of the century.

Famous for his kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan, some of his off-field actions left a lot to be desired, such as spitting at a Leeds fan after returning to the club. His performances on the pitch however, were always of the highest calibre. He made lesser players play better when around him and was an inspirational leader on the pitch. 

18. Paulo Di Canio: Forward

Premier League Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham

Premier League Appearances: 190

Goals: 67

Di Canio is a very controversial figure in the premier league, famous most for his push on a referee which earned him an 11-match ban. This move was out of character for the fiery Italian. He received the FIFA Fair Play Award for choosing to catch the ball when the opposing keeper was laying on the ground injured, rather than putting the ball into an empty net.

Di Canio's best moment came against Wmbeldon, scoring a ridiculous volley from an extreme angle, it shocked people around the world for the amazing nature of the goal. It was also voted the greatest premiership goal of the decade in 2009

19. 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.

20. Matt Le Tissier: Forward

Premier League Club: Southampton

Premier League Appearances: 270

Goals: 102

Although he sometimes played in a midfield role, Le Tissier was an outstanding player who scored some of the best goals ever seen in England. He is well known for his penalty record, scoring 48 out of 49 attempts. He was always the subject of interest for other clubs, but his desire to stay at Southampton earned him the nickname "Le God."

Xavi said of Le Tissier, "His talent was simply out of the norm. He could simply dribble past seven or eight players but without speed—he just walked past them. For me he was sensational."

For some unknown reason he was overlooked for the England world cup squad in 1998, a tournament which England lost out on penalties.

21. 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. 

22. 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.  

23. 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.

24. Ruud Van Nistelrooy: Forward

Premier League Club: Manchester United

Premier League Appearances: 150

Goals: 95

The best goal-poacher and finisher to grace the premier league, Van Nistelrooy was lethal when inside the penalty box. His surge to stardom for Manchester United was even more impressive considering that he had major knee problems. The image of him collapsing in a heap before he joined Manchester United is not something anybody wants to see.

He only left Manchester United after a falling out with the manager, otherwise he could have gone on to rival the all-time great strikers such as Cantona or Shearer.

In every season he managed to play the majority of games, he was either the top scorer or a close second. Van Nistelrooy had the knack to only appear in games when he was most needed. He would often not see any of the ball then in a split second get given one half-chance and finish it ruthlessly. The rest of the players for Manchester United knew that if they got the ball into the box with any type of quality, Van Nistelrooy would be there to put it in the net.

25. Gianfranco Zola: Forward

Premier League Club: Chelsea

Premier League Appearances: 229

Goals: 59

Zola was described by Sir Alex Ferguson as a "clever little so-and-so" which is rare for the Manchester United manager to praise a player from another team. Zola was loved by all premier league fans, he played the game in the way every fan would want too. Always having a smile on his face and gracious towards his opponents, Zola was a fan and player favourite.

Zola had the ability to work wonders with the ball in small spaces, his low centre of gravity allowed him to glide past players and consistently be a thorn for other premier league defences. After an audacious back-heeled goal against Norwich he was described as a wizard of a player by his then manager Claudio Ranieri. Although he returned to the league in a less successful manner in managing West Ham, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest foreign players to play in the premier league.