5 of the best English centre-backs of the Premier League era

#4 Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)

King was a brilliant leader for Spurs

The one who never was, the story of King's career is one that will always carry the tag of "what could have been".

The East London-born lad had a career plagued by many injuries. This forced him to retire at the age of 32, a very early age for a defender. On the occasions he was fit to play and captain Spurs, he reminded the Premier League of just how good he was. Despite playing in 268 games for his beloved Spurs, he received just 8 yellow cards and was never sent off, an unusual record in a league as physical as the Premier League

A Rolls Royce of a defender, he was brilliant in the air winning aerial balls on a consistent basis. He was also a very good tackler whose sense of timing was impeccable.

Unlike most English defenders of that era, King was very comfortable with the ball at his feet. He was a very good passer of the ball and helped Spurs start attacks with the quality of his passing.