This ranking system is based purely on my opinions, with no bias to any club at all. This post is intended for debate and discussion, supporting your views with rhymes or reasons. One where we can share on social media together.
10. Wayne Rooney
Only 1 of 2 on my list that still play in the Premier League. Will he score more goals than Shearer? Will he become Manchester United’s top goalscorer? Maybe, but I’m not so sure. But this does not take away what is already a glittering career from the age of 16 to the man he is today, captaining one of the biggest clubs in the world. He can play in any position, which shows how much of a complete footballer he is but centre forward is his bread and butter. He is a FA Cup away from the complete haul of domestic trophies.
9. Cristiano Ronaldo
The best player in the world, and one of the best the Premier League has seen. If he had stayed at Manchester United, there would be no doubt that he would be considered the greatest – No.1 on my list at least! However, in his relatively short stay, he produced magic and a goal return that had seen him earn a move to Real Madrid. The day he left, the English league became weaker and the momentum swung Spain’s way.
8. Roy Keane
He would not let you slip up one bit, or you will getting an earful. Roy Keane led by example and expected from others the same commitment he would display. This would rile up his players, sometimes with a negative effect but mostly to one of great proportions. I believe his commitment and attitude to the game set the tone for Manchester United winning all those trophies. They have still yet to replace him in my eyes.
7. John Terry
Love him or loathe him, John Terry is the best defender the Premier League has ever seen – even on current form you could make this case. Words like warrior, leader, battler and legend has been the words to describe him – and they are not wrong at all. However, his image and past demeanours off the pitch truthfully stops him from being adored by football fans across the country.
6. Paul Scholes
Many have described Scholes as the complete midfielder – I’d have to apart of the minority that disagree. His tackling was truly woeful and put his team under unnecessary pressure due to the amount of bookings. Oh wait, but he controlled and dictated games with his ability to spray the ball around, keep the game ticking over and timely goals. Who cares about the tackling? Not me – he was the master of the puppet show, pulling all the strings yet hidden and underrated.
5. Steven Gerrard
Mr Liverpool. The game changer. The leader. He single handily dragged a non-competitive Liverpool team through each season, winning trophies along the way. Souness and Dalglish both state that he was Liverpool’s greatest player who played at disadvantaged time of their history. This is what held Steven Gerrard from winning the Premier League title – but he won the fan’s hearts.
4. Frank Lampard
Averaging around 20 goals a season for 10 consecutive season for Chelsea is purely sublime. He is also the club’s top goalscorer and all this while being a central midfielder. He won many games, trophies and accolades with his immense contribution. This puts him above Gerrard and Scholes for me, with this tenacious consistency and all round professionalism.
3. Thierry Henry
This man truly lit up the Premier League like no other when he joined Arsenal in 1999. His ability to not only score but create goals brought Arsenal a lot of success. He was a phenomenon, and unsurprisingly a legend of the club. He deserves his place as 3rd in my top 10.
2. Alan Shearer
The Premier League top goalscorer with 260 goals. He was starved of goal scoring opportunities at Newcastle, a young man adapting to the league at Southampton and with Blackburn being the only time he was truly freed up. So that’s why this man is above Henry purely for the fact he managed this feat with a mid-table team for the majority of his career.
1. Ryan Giggs
It’s hard to look beyond the most decorated player of the whole Premier League era, with 13 titles. His consistent form, adaptability and creativity over many many years will be hard to replicate or better – will there ever be another player like this?
Honourable shout outs to: Patrick Viera, Tony Adams, Rio Ferdinand, Gianfranco Zola, Didier Drogba, Eric Cantona and Ashley Cole.
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