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A.k.a. French Connection to the United Kingdom – The top 5 French players to have played in the Premier League
There have been a fair number of French players who have graced the football pitch in England since the inception of the Premier League. Some of them have dominated oppositions and booked themselves permanent spots in the hearts of the faithful, while others have slipped, been wayward and shipped off before the fans could even learn how to properly pronounce their names in French. With the long-running reign of Frenchman Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, it is no surprise that a list of the top five players from this famed nation is composed mainly of Gunners. Nonetheless, there is no denying that every player on this list is sheer quality.
5. David Ginola (Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton)
Arriving from Paris Saint-Germain with a prolific record, much was expected of this wing-man, and while he delivered on some occasions, he did frustrate on others. He was a bit of what Nani is to Manchester United: a lively presence, and a nightmare to opposing defences when on song, but an absent figure, and a forlorn presence on the pitch when not. What is unquestionable however, is the skill and quality he showed, both while dribbling as well as finishing, producing some truly memorable moments.
4. Patrick Vieira (Arsenal, Manchester City)
One of the trinity of Frenchmen instrumental to the Invincibles’ success, Vieira was a combative central mid-fielder, who could provide lung-busting forward runs, and crunching tackles with equal ease. Still remembered for his fierce, infamous rivalry with Irishman Roy Keane, one of the highlights of Vieira’s career was the FA Cup winning penalty of ’05 against Keane’s Manchester United, Arsenal’s last major trophy to date. While Vieira returned to the Premier League a couple of seasons ago, with Moneybags City, he had a bit-part role to play, and one that didn’t do much to contribute towards his standing on this list. However, for his contributions at Arsenal, he thoroughly deserves this spot.
3. Robert Pires (Arsenal, Aston Villa)
The second of Arsenal’s French trinity, Robert Pires was an unmissable presence during his stay at Arsenal. Everything that Arsenal did, Pires was involved in. A ball passed to him would more often than not end up as a scoring opportunity, if not in the back of the net. In addition to his uncanny ability for finding a player in a position to score, Pires had thunderous feet capable of swirling the ball into the net from seemingly impossible angles and distances. In him, the Premier League witnessed a player gifted with pace, and finishing of the highest caliber. Not many in the Premier League, let alone the French, have matched up to him.
2. Eric Cantona (Leeds United, Manchester United)
The undoubted King of Manchester, Eric Cantona’s spell in the Premier League was a famed journey which took him straight to the book of legends, not just at Old Trafford, but all over the world. From that goal against Sunderland to the kung-fu kick on an unfortunate foul mouthing Crystal Palace supporter, The King has been there, done that. Winning four league titles in his five seasons at United, Cantona retired at 30, much too early as any ardent football fan will tell you. A famed presence in football’s list of all time greats, Cantona is one of the few players who truly terrified and dominated defences just by being named on the team-sheet.
1. Thierry Henry ( Arsenal)
Just pipping Cantona to the top spot is Arsenal’s goal-machine, and the final piece of their holy French trinity, Thierry Henry. While Henry is among the most prolific scorers of all time, averaging 0.68 goals a game in the Premier League, what is remarkable is the ease with which the ball sticks to Henry’s feet. As easy on the eye as any Brazilian dribbler in full flow, Henry made an ideal forward, sought after by all managers who set their sight on him. Another weapon in Henry’s Arsenal was his lethal ability to find the net from set-pieces. Thierry Henry, by a whisker, is the top French player to have played in the Premier League thus far.
Other Noteworthy Frenchmen: Patrice Evra (Manchester United), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Marcel Dessaily (Chelsea)
