Liverpool's Steven Gerrard Ranks in Top 10 Premier League Shirt Sales for 2011

One surprising thing I found out today was that English Premier League football clubs don't release official figures on how many football shirts a particular player sells.

Before delving into my thoughts on that subject, I decided to persist with my initial story and I was able to obtain estimated figures which would allow me to chart which players were the big sellers in the club shop—and by club shop I actually mean all official sales worldwide!

So here is the breakdown of what the school kids are wearing on the back of their shirts these days, and the interesting rise and fall of players over the past few seasons. I include last seasons position where appropriate, but the list also has a few "new" entries. Enjoy

Ryan Giggs, Manchester United and Wales

Ryan Giggs starts the top 10 countdown of Premier League shirt sales, interestingly this year is the first time Giggs has featured in the top 10.

There are many reasons that one could associate this sudden surge in popularity after his 22nd year of playing.

Giggs is in the midst of a tabloid frenzy back in England due to claims of infidelity, but perhaps it could be attributed to Manchester United's preseason tour of America increasing their popularity in the global market.

Either way, Manchester United are benefiting commercially.

Andrei Arshavin, Arsenal and Russia

Despite his poor start to the season, Andrei Arshavin still makes the top 10, although he has dropped five places from last season.

With Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri leaving in the summer, Arshavin has the ability to become a star for Arsenal, but even he has admitted recently that his performances haven't been up to standard.

At 30 years old, Arshavin will want more pitch time and, if it keeps shirt sales going, Wenger may just give it to him.

Luis Suarez, Liverpool and Uruguay

Anfield hero Luis Suarez enters his first season at the number eight spot, which is a position I am sure will improve over the coming years.

Liverpool in general are the second highest sellers of football shirts in the league, behind Manchester United, so expect Suarez sales to fall in line with his pitch performances.

So far, so good!

Didier Drogba, Chelsea and Ivory Coast

Didier Drogba of Chelsea maintains his seventh place position from last season.

Despite not getting as much pitch time as previous seasons, this doesn't seem to have dissuaded Chelsea fan's from sticking by the big Ivorian.

With Torres banned for a reckless challenge in his last league game, now is the time for Drogba to remind us all why he was once considered one of the world's best.

Frank Lampard, Chelsea and England

Much like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard is out to impress new coach Andre Villas-Boas.

The manager's ruthlessness has caused a stir amongst pundits, who have in turn questioned Lampard's ability to play at the top level now he's reached 33 years of age.

His shirt sales show that the Chelsea faithful are still unwavering in their support. He stays in last years position of sixth.

Robin Van Persie, Arsenal and Holland

Robin Van Persie is Arsenal's leading name in the charts and, interestingly, this entry marks his first return into the top 10 since the 2007/08 season.

It's curious that it has happened in the same season that former leading shirt sale player Cesc Fabregas has left the club.

Appointed the new Arsenal captain, Van Persie sales are likely to increase even further.

He is at number five.

Javier Hernandez, Manchester United and Mexico

Technically speaking, Javier Hernandez shirt sales were almost nonexistent, but there's something about calling a player by his self-styled nickname that I can't abide by.

Whatever happened to the rules pertaining to your shirt name being on your passport (or similar?)

Credit where credit is due though, and Hernandez is the highest "new" entry in the list at number four.

With a huge following in Mexico and USA, Ferguson's tour of of the States has definitely increased their brand.

Steven Gerrard, Liverpool and England

Liverpool's favourite son takes the number three spot in the list.

Down one place from the number two spot last season, Gerrard is still Merseyside's legend and marks Liverpool's highest entry this year.

Much like Kenny Dalglish, I expect Gerrard's name to be appearing on shirts long after he has retired but, thankfully for Liverpool's bank managers, that isn't likely to be anytime soon.

Look for Gerrard to mark his return in style this Saturday as Liverpool welcome Manchester United to Anfield.

Click below or copy and paste the link to see my article on the weekends biggest game and what the season holds for Liverpool.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/878547-liverpool-v-manchester-united-the-upcoming-game-and-the-season-ahead

Fernando Torres, Chelsea and Spain

Former Liverpool favourite Fernando Torres takes the second spot this season.

Like Gerrard, Torres has dropped one spot since last season's positions, but still maintains a huge following.

I would imagine that a large proportion of sales decreased merely by leaving Liverpool, but Chelsea fans are still persisting with him despite a barren run of games followed by the seasons worst miss and a red card.

Wayne Rooney, Manchester United and England

Wayne Rooney is the number one shirt selling player in the English Premier League despite handing in a transfer request to Alex Ferguson last autumn.

The England man's decision to ask to leave doesn't seem to have cost him any fans, and a huge sponsorship deal to appear on the front cover of FIFA 12 will have gained him even more recognition.

Surprisingly, this list only includes teams originally dubbed the "Big 4", which goes to show that fans haven't wavered in their support, even if their teams effectiveness has begun to diminish.

I predict that Arshavin, Giggs and Drogba may all be absent from this list next season. What're your thoughts?