The Premier League celebrates 30 years this weekend and to mark the occasion I've listed my best 100 players to have played in this league.
Many player have lit up the Premier League over its 30 year history and here is the first half of my list below.
100. Jordan Henderson
Clubs: Sunderland (2008-2011) Liverpool (2011-present)
Henderson has evolved a lot as a player over the years and particularly since he's been at Liverpool. He was close to leaving the reds after one season in 2012 and since then he's developed both as a player and a leader on and off the pitch. He's been the driving force of the reds' success in recent years thanks to his leadership and energy.
99. Mark Noble
Clubs: West Ham (2005-2022)
When you think of players that are loyal to one club, Noble is near the top of that list. He gave it his all year after year at West Ham as he stuck with through both the good and bad times. He was a leader both on and off the pitch and is without a doubt a Hammers legend.
98. Luka Modric
Clubs: Tottenham (2008-2012)
Before becoming a world superstar with Real Madrid, Modric was a top class player at Spurs as he helped them go onto another level. He was a creative genius on the ball in that he could control the flow of a game and pick out any kind of pass which he still can today. Spurs were a much better team when he was around.
97. Dimitar Berbatov
Clubs: Tottenham (2006-2008) Man United (2008-2012) Fulham (2012-2014)
The Bulgarian hit man was an absolute monster of a striker on his day as he could score any kind of goal and really bully defenders. He formed an excellent striker partnership with Robbie Keane at Spurs and then went on to bag a golden boot at Man United during their title winning 2010/11 season.
96. Denis Irwin
Clubs: Man United (1992-2002) Wolves (2003-2004)
Irwin was a crucial part of United's success during the early years of the Premier League and was up there with the best defenders in the league. He was defender who did not let anything past him and was one reason why United were so defensively solid..
95. Romelu Lukaku
Clubs: Chelsea (2011-2013 and 2021-2022) West Brom (2012-2013 on loan) Everton (2013-2017) Man United (2017-2019)
He has had a bit criticism but when he was on it, Lukaku was among the best strikers in the league if not Europe. He showed Chelsea why they were wrong to let him go during his time at Everton by becoming their record Premier League goal scorer and was a striker who could score any kind of goal when he was on it.
94. Ashley Young
Clubs: Watford (2006-2007) Aston Villa (2007-2011 and 2021-present) Man United (2011-2020)
He has been dropped back to defence in recent years but as a winger Young was one of the best in league. He could create and score goals plus he also had the pace to beat players. He was crucial player for Villa as they pushed for European football under Martin O'Neill and became a crucial player for United the moment he arrived there.
93. Leighton Baines
Clubs: Wigan (2005-2007) Everton (2007-2020)
Baines was up there with the best full backs in the league for years as he could both defend and create alongside having a good record from the penalty spot. His set pieces were a danger for any defence and was a crucial player for Everton in pretty much every season he spent at the club.
92. Joe Cole
Clubs: West Ham (1999-2003) and 2013-2014) Chelsea (2003-2010) Liverpool (2010-2013)
After impressing as a youngster at West Ham, Cole later earned himself a move to Chelsea where he established himself as key player under Jose Mourinho. He had the ability to be one of the best around and on his day there were not many as good as him.
91. Kevin Phillips
Clubs: Sunderland (1999-2003) Southampton (2003-2005) Aston Villa (2005-2006) Birmingham (2009-2011)
Phillips will be best remembered for the 1999/00 season where he netted 30 goals to win the golden boot in his first season as a Premier League player with Sunderland. He later proved himself as an established Premier League striker in the following years after that season to prove that he was not a one season wonder.
90. Emmanuel Adebayor
Clubs: Arsenal (2006-2009) Man City (2009-2011) Tottenham (2011-2015)
Adebayor could score any kind of goal when he was on it and especially at Arsenal. He really stepped up as their main man after Thierry Henry left and wherever the ball was in the penalty area, he always hit it well.
89. Peter Crouch
Clubs: Aston Villa (2002-2004) Southampton (2004-2005) Liverpool (2005-2008) Portsmouth (2008-2009) Tottenham (2009-2011) Stoke (2011-2018) Burnley (2019)
Whichever club he was at, Crouchy always gave it everything. He's scored more goals with his head than any other player thanks to his height and was effective at almost every club he played for.
88. Gary Speed
Clubs: Leeds (1992-1996) Everton (1996-1998) Newcastle (1998-2004) Bolton (2004-2007)
Speed was an all around action midfielder as he could play anywhere in the middle of the park and offer an attacking threat. He was well appreciated at every club he played for and always contributed something every season.
87. Robbie Keane
Clubs: Coventry (1999-2000) Leeds (2001-2002) Tottenham (2002-2008 and 2009-2010) Liverpool (2008-2009) Aston Villa (2012 on loan)
Without a doubt the best Irishman to play in the Premier League. His goal celebrations weren't the best but when Keane was in the six yard box, he often scored. He scored a bag load of goals for Spurs where he was arguably the best striker not to play for a top four club.
86. Juan Mata
Clubs: Chelsea (2011-2014) Man United (2014-2022)
The Special Juan was among the best players in Europe during his time at Chelsea up until he was benched by Jose Mourinho. He he created and scored a lot of goals for both Chelsea and United and when he was on it, he was very good.
85. Darren Bent
Clubs: Ipswich (2001-2002) Charlton (2005-2007) Tottenham (2007-2009) Sunderland (2009-2011) Aston Villa (2011-2014) Fulham (2013-2014 on loan)
Bent scored goals pretty much wherever he went as he went on to score over 100 league goals. He was always in the right place to score goals when his team needed him to be and his arguably one of the most underpraised strikers.
84. Dion Dublin
Clubs: Man United (1992-1994) Coventry (1994-1998) Aston Villa (1998-2004)
After leaving Man United as a youngster, Dublin went on to establish himself as a Premier League striker in scoring 10+ goals pretty much every season. He was a big centre forward who loved scoring goals and even won a golden boot.
83. Luis Suarez
Clubs: Liverpool (2011-2014)
He has had moments of controversy but as a player Suarez was an absolute animal to play against. Just ask Norwich. His 31 goal season in 2013/14 will never be forgotten as it almost took Liverpool to their first Premier League title.
82. Fernando Torres
Clubs: Liverpool (2007-2011) Chelsea (2011-2014)
He might have flopped at Chelsea but at Liverpool Torres was among the best strikers in the world. He scored all kinds of goals when he was with the Reds and if injuries didn't effect him, he might've won a league title and possibly a golden boot.
81. David Ginola
Clubs: Newcastle (1995-1997) Tottenham (1997-2000) Aston Villa (2000-2002) Everton (2002)
Ginola was an absolute magician on his day as had the ability to glide past players and could come up with a moment of magic when his team needed it. He was a wonderful player for both Newcastle and Spurs because of the way he could carry the ball up the pitch.
80. Philippe Coutinho
Clubs: Liverpool (2013-2017) Aston Villa (2022-)
Coutinho was nicknamed the little magician during his time at Liverpool as he had the ability to pick out any kind of pass from almost anywhere. He scored many fantastic goals and can still do many of those wonderful things he's capable of doing.
79. Xabi Alonso
Clubs: Liverpool (2004-2009)
Alonso was such a key player for Liverpool during his time because he could control the flow of a game with his creativity in midfield and could also hit a shot from distance as well as pci out a wonderful pass. The Reds really struggled when he left which shows how important he was to them during his time there.
78. Christian Eriksen
Clubs: Tottenham (2013-2020) Brentford (2022) Man United (2022-)
Eriksen was often seen as an underrated player during his time at Spurs yet he was still one of their most important players because of the goals he scored and the creativity he offered. His set pieces were difficult to defend and still are today.
77. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Clubs: Man United - 1996-2007
Whenever you needed someone to come off the bench and score the winning goal, Solskjaer was often your man. The baby faced assassin scored many crucial goals for United from the subs bench and they all played a part in United winning many titles under Fergie. He also bagged a lot of goals as a starter as well as a substitute.
76. Fernandinho
Clubs: Man City - 2013-2022
Without a doubt one of the most underrated players in Premier League history. Fernandinho never always got the credit he deserved during his time at City as he quietly got on with his job without many people noticing. He became a crucial player when Pep Guardiola took over in protecting the back four and dictating play from midfield. His presence there enabled the attacking players to push up the pitch.
75. Eric Cantona
Clubs: Leeds (1992) Man United (1992-1997)
Cantona was such an iconic player during his time at United because of the goals he scored and the monets he produced on the pitch. He did have one or two controversial moments but as a player he was unplayable when he was on it.
74. Ederson
Clubs: Man City (2017-)
Ederson changed the role of a goalkeeper when he arrived in England in being able to play out from the back and come out of his box to clear the ball away. This has made him key to how City have played under Pep because he's a keeper that the players trust with the ball at their feet.
73. Claude Makelele
Clubs: Chelsea (2003-2008)
Makelele was one of Chelsea's most important players during their success under Jose Mourinho alongside the likes of Terry, Lampard and Drogba. He controlled the flow of the game in midfield and made many vital interceptions and tackles when his team needed him to. He was quite possibly their most important player.
72. Pablo Zabaleta
Clubs: Man City - 2008-2017) West Ham (2017-2020)
Zabaleta was one of the league's most consistent defenders during his time at City by being defensively solid season after season. He was good going forward forward as well but his defensive work was crucial during City's first two title wins in 2012 and 2014.
71. David Beckham
Clubs: Man United (1992-2003)
Probably the best set piece taker in Premier League history. Becks delivered corners that were difficult to defend and free kicks that were almost impossible to keep out. He also did great moments from open play in playing perfect diagonal passes and scoring from the halfway line against Wimbledon in 1999. He might've been higher up the list if he stayed here longer.
70. Carlos Tevez
Clubs: West Ham (2006-2007) Man United (2007-2009) Man City (2009-2013)
After scoring some crucial goals to keep West Ham in the league, Tevez then went on to play a key role in Man United's title win the following season before making a controversial move to City two years later. He was a nightmare for defenders to play against because of his pace and ability to score goals.
69. Matt Le Tissier
Clubs: Southampton - 1992-2002
Le Tissier was an all round attacking player in that he could score and create loads of goals. He was a player who had everything in his game and could score any kind of goal from almost anywhere on the pitch. His free kick and penalty records are right up there with the best.
68. Nicolas Anelka
Clubs: Arsenal (1997-1999) Liverpool (2001-2002 on loan) Bolton (2006-2008) Chelsea (2008-2011) West Brom (2013-2014)
Wherever he went he scored goals. Anelka scored lots of goals for most of the clubs he played for during his career and is probably one of those striker who doesn't get talked about enough. He won the Golden Boot in the 2008/09 season whilst at Chelsea and bagged loads whilst at Man City and Bolton as well as in his final season at Arsenal.
67. Cesar Azpilicueta
Clubs: Chelsea - 2012-
One of the most consistent but underrated defenders in Premier League history. Azpilicueta has been one of Chelsea's unsung heroes over the years as his good work and often gone under the radar. He can play anywhere across the backline and he's given it his all wherever he's asked to play.
66. Sami Hyypia
Clubs: Liverpool - 1999-2009
Hyppia was a rock solid defender right throughout his time at Liverpool as he was good in air and could read the game well. He captained the side before handing the armband to Steven Gerrard and formed an excellent partnership with Jamie Carragher which made the Reds very difficult to beat.
65. Gary Cahill
Clubs: Aston Villa (2006-2007) Bolton (2008-2012) Chelsea (2012-2019) Crystal Palace (2019-2021)
Not the most popular name on this list but given what he's achieved Cahill still deserves to be on it. HIs good performances for Bolton earned him a move to Chelsea where he improved a lot as a defender and grew as a leader. His leadership was crucial during the Blues' title win in 2016/17 when he stepped up in John Terry's absence.
64. Emmanuel Petit
Clubs: Arsenal (1997-2000) Chelsea (2001-2004)
Petit was one reason why Arsenal were so difficult to beat during the early years of Arsene Wenger's reign. He was a strong and physical midfielder who loved a tackle and his midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira is one of the best midfield duos in Premier League history.
63. Jaap Stam
Clubs: Man United (1998-2001)
One of the best defenders to ever play the game. Stam was one of United's standout players during their treble winning season in 1999 by being a strong and solid defender who rarely let anyone past him. He made that entire United backline very difficult to beat because of his presence there.
62. Riyad Mahrez
Clubs: Leicester (2014-2018) Man City (2018-)
Not many people had heard of Mahrez when he first came to the Premier League but he certainly made himself known during Leicester's unlikely title win in 2016. He scored 17 goals during that season and later earned himself a big money move to Man City where he's gone on to prove himself as one of the best attacking players in Europe.
61. Branislav Ivanovic
Clubs: Chelsea (2008-2017) West Brom (2020-2021)
Ivanovic was an all around defender in that he was very solid defensively whilst going forward he loved to nick the odd goal. He was an important player for Chelsea right throughout his time there because of what he offered at both ends of the pitch.
60. David De Gea
Clubs: Man United - 2011-
De Gea has saved United countless times during his time there by making many top class saves to keep them in games. This is what made him one of the best keepers in the world when he was at his best and it also earned him four player of the season awards.
59. Raheem Sterling
Clubs: Liverpool (2012-2015) Man City (2015-2022) Chelsea (2022-
He has had a fair share of criticism over they ears but Sterling still deserves the credit he's been given. He's established himself as one of the best finishers around over the last few seasons by netting 10+ goals in each of the last five seasons and has become a role model both on and off the pitch.
58. Gianfranco Zola
Clubs: Chelsea (1996-2003)
Zola could score any kind of goal during his days at Chelsea and when he did they often looks spectacular. He was an all round striker in that he could create as well as score goals plus he could also beat players with his amazing dribbling ability and pace.
57. Joe Hart
Clubs: Man City (2006-2016) Birmingham (2009-2010 on loan) West Ham (2017-2018 on loan) Burnley (2018)
His career may have gone into decline after leaving City but when at his best, Hart was one of the best keepers in the league. He made many top class saves when his team needed him to and was a crucial part of both title winning teams he was part of in 2012 and 2014.
56. Sadio Mane
Clubs: Southampton (2014-2016) Liverpool (2016-2022)
After two good seasons at Southampton, Mane later earned himself a big money move to Liverpool where he went on to establish himself as one of the best attacking players in Europe. His pace and intensity made a key part of Liverpool's title winning side in 2020 and he always came up with the goods when his team were crying out for someone to.
55. Les Ferdinand
Clubs: QPR (1992-1995) Newcastle (1995-1997) Tottenham (1997-2003) West Ham (2003) Leicester (2003-2004) Bolton (2004-2005)
Ferdinand was one of the most clinical striker in the early years of the Premier League scoring 15+ goals per season with both QPR and Newcastle. He scored all sorts of goals during his time at both clubs and despite not having his greatest time at Spurs, he still had a clinical year at Leicester towards the end of his career.
54. Robbie Fowler
Clubs: Liverpool (1993-2001 and 2006-2007) Leeds (2001-2003) Man City (2003-2006)
Fowler was an absolute god among Liverpool fans because of the amount of goals he scored. He was always eager to score goals from a young age thanks to his pace and movement awhich made him a handful for any Premier League defence. His 4 minute hat trick against Arsenal in 1994 will never be forgotten.
53. Jermain Defoe
Clubs: West Ham (2000-2003) Tottenham (2003-2008 and 2009-2014) Portsmouth (2008-2009) Sunderland (2015-2017) Bournemouth (2017-2019)
Defoe was a reliable goal scorer at pretty much every club he played for right throughout his career and is one of the best striker not to win the Premier League. He could score any kind of goal right throughout his career and is ninth on the all time goal charts with 162.
52. Jamie Carragher
Clubs: Liverpool (1997-2013)
He might've scored a lot of own goals but Carragher was still a solid defender. He always made crucial interventions when his team needed him to and was always in the right position when his team needed him to be. His leadership on and off the pitch made him an important player for the reds for many years
51. James Milner
Clubs: Leeds (2002-2004) Newcastle (2004-2008) Aston Villa (2005-2006 on loan and 2008-2010) Man City (2010-2015) Liverpool (2015-)
The ultimate professional. Milner has given it his all for every club he's played for wherever he's been asked to play right throughout his career. He's without a doubt one of the most underrated players to play in the Premier League and is still showing no signs of slowing down.
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