Top 25 English Premier League players ever

11. Patrick Veira: The great midfield player and the ‘best buddy’ of the aforementioned Roy Keane (they truly despised each other), was one of the keys of the great Arsenal teams. He was very much like Keane in that he was tough and uncompromising, and in midfield took no prisoners. One of the best players in the role of defensive midfielder.

12. Robbie Fowler: An Anfield God and a truly great striker in every regard, be it with the head or in the box in a predatory manner. In his time at Liverpool he was without doubt one of the best strikers in the game. He was truly prolific at Liverpool and was a fan favourite. When he left for Leeds United in 2001, with him went the hearts of many of the fans in the legendary Kop at Anfield. You saw this when he came back in 2006 – the Anfield hordes still worshipped him.

13. Rio Ferdinand: This central defender is such a beautiful player to watch. His pace and reading of the play are sublime, which, coupled with his combativeness and willingness to tackle or win headers, makes him nearly impossible to beat. He has been the cornerstone of the great Manchester United sides of the recent past and is a near perfect defender.

14. Denis Irwin: A man who in truth never gets the credit he deserves. He was such a versatile defender that he could play anywhere across the back 4, which made him a very precious asset to the team indeed. He was also a very dangerous taker of free kicks with his lethal shot.

15. Gary Speed: Just like Irwin, Speed never gets the credit he deserves for the player he was. His versatility was second to none – he could play anywhere across the pitch. He had incredible longevity in the game, holding the Premier League games record till David James went past it. A great player and the epitome of the word ‘professional’.