5 players who failed to win the Premier League despite playing over 500 games

Liverpool players have struggled in the past to win the Premier League
Liverpool players have struggled in the past to win the Premier League

#3 Emile Heskey (516)

Emile Heskey of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the equalising
Emile Heskey of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the equalising

The Premier League had seen some amazing strikers ply their trade in the league and Emile Heskey was one of them. The tall forward has played for a number of English clubs in his career.

Emile Heskey came through the ranks at Leicester City and played for five seasons with the Foxes. He then moved to Liverpool in 2000 and had the most productive phase of his career with them. He won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup with them.

The English striker scored 39 goals in 150 league appearances for the Reds. Heskey then went on to play for Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa, making a total of 516 Premier League appearances. His best chance of winning it came in the 2001-02 season when he finished second with Liverpool.


#2 Gary Speed (535)

Aston Villa v Bolton Wanderers
Aston Villa v Bolton Wanderers

The great Welshman is no longer with us but his contributions to the Premier League will remain etched in the memory forever. Speed graduated from Leeds United's academy and spent four seasons with their senior side.

The left-attacking midfielder was a delight to watch and was an inspirational figure on the pitch. Gary Speed joined Everton for two seasons after leaving Leeds United. Following that, he played for Newcastle United for seven impressive seasons.

His final stint in the Premier League came with Bolton Wanderers and lasted four seasons. Though he played 535 matches in the league, it is unfortunate that a player of Gary Speed's caliber didn't get his hands on the league trophy.


#1 David James (572)

Manchester United v Portsmouth - Premier League
Manchester United v Portsmouth - Premier League

David James was a very regular figure in the Premier League ever since his introduction at Watford in 1988. He spent a big chunk of his club career with Liverpool, making 214 league appearances for them.

The English goalkeeper won the Football League Cup in the 1994-95 season. After leaving the Reds in 1999, David James spent two seasons at Aston Villa. He then went on to play for West Ham United, Manchester City and Portsmouth.

As proven by his frequent change of clubs, David James struggled to find success in the league and did not come close to winning it. The English goalkeeper played 572 Premier League matches and held the record for most clean sheets with 169 before he was overtaken by Petr Cech.

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Edited by S Chowdhury
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