My Premier League All Time XI

Premier League Trophy

As the FA Premier League has now been around for twenty years, you may see a few of these 'all-time' teams around for the Premier League at the moment, so I thought to myself "what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't throw my hat in to the ring as well". So here goes. You will have to forgive the odd cliche, and I am sure there will be some who disagree, and if you do please comment at the bottom. 




Goalkeeper

Peter Schmeichel

There was only really only ever going to be one man between the sticks in my team, and the great Dane has that privilege. Not only was he an absolutely immense keeper that made saves he had no right to make, but he marshaled his defence like a General going in to war. He won Euro 1992 with Denmark and captained Manchester United to the treble in 1999. Man Mountain and safe hands.





Left Back

Ashley Cole

For this position that I struggled to find anyone to oppose Ashley's dominance in the Premier League era. He came to prominence in the late 1990's for Arsenal, and has been the stand out left back for club and country ever since. Only played four times for the England U21's and was fast-tracked to the seniors to win 93 caps (and counting!)





Centre Backs

Tony Adams (Captain)

The archetypal 'captain fantastic' who led Arsenal to much acclaim, as well as an outstanding centre half that Arsenal have struggled to replace since he retired in 2002. He became Arsenal captain at the tender age of 21 and remained so until his retirement fourteen years later. Due to injury, non-qualification and being left out he only played in one FIFA World Cup (1998) which is a shame.
Also deserves recognition for setting up the Sporting Chance Clinic following a battle with alcoholism.

Sami Hyypia

Perhaps not an obvious choice, but as a Liverpool fan I could not leave Sami out. He was an excellent ball playing centre half that led Liverpool to several trophies including the cup treble in 2001. Also won the Champions League in 2005. Sami read the game so well that he made it look easy, and for a man of some stature was deceptively speedy across the grass. In my opinion among the best signings Liverpool have ever made; a steal at £2.6 million




Right Back

Gary Neville

There was only one candidate for this spot really, and as much as he wound me up as a player, his consistency over the majority of the Premier League years makes him number one. I don't think he was ever the quickest, strongest or most skillful but his determination to be the best he could for his team puts him head and shoulders above the rest. I am sure Sir Alex was glad to have him as part of the golden generation at Old Trafford. 


Centre Midfield

Roy Keane

Roy Keane was an all-round midfielder who definitely didn't suffer fools, and would settle for nothing less than 100% effort from team mates. As he started his career in England under Brian Clough, perhaps this is no surprise. He was never really too far from controversy, and sometimes missed big games through suspension but was almost the first name on my team sheet. In hindsight, £3.75 million was a snip, although a British transfer record at the time. He had verbally agreed to sign for Blackburn in 1992, before backing out at the last minute following persuasive talk from Sir Alex Ferguson!

Steven Gerrard

In my 25 years or so as a football fan I have never known of a player that can single-handedly make such a difference to his team. Perhaps the 2005 Champions League final is the primary example of this, but it is by no means an isolated incident. He has the ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck, let his feet do the talking and turn the game to his team's advantage. Steven is as comfortable defending as he is attacking and I think I have just about seen him play in every outfield position.He has played some of the most superb attacking passes that have allowed strikers to only take one touch before the ball is in the back of the net. I am incredibly glad he managed to resist the lure of Russian billions, twice! #YNWA




Left midfield

Ryan Giggs

This man not only fills the left midfield berth in my team, but he would be my player of the Premier League era. He has played in every season since the inception of the PL, and has scored in every season as well! At 38 years old he might not be able to do it as often as he once could, but in my mind he is every bit as effective on the ball. He has played anywhere on the left for Manchester United, and for a predominant winger has scored some great goals. Twenty two major trophies in twenty seasons is quite a haul, and perhaps this will never be bettered. 






Right Midfield

David Beckham

I am sure if you asked Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke or Ruud Van Nistelrooy (and on and on...) who they would want on the right wing whipping balls in to the box from the right, there would only be one answer. Not only were his crosses for strikers invaluable, but his accuracy from dead ball situations was at times vital to Manchester United. The fact that he also played for (arguably) the biggest clubs in Italy and Spain speaks volumes. 


Strikers

Eric Cantona

This man has attained 'footballing genius' status in my eyes, and if he had done over a more sustained period he would have been my player of the PL era. To arrive at Manchester United where at the time they had not won a league title in twenty six years, and win four in five years as well as two FA Cups indicates the impact Eric had. £1.2 million for a genius was a small price to pay to say the least. 




Alan Shearer

The Premier Leagues all-time top scorer had to be in my team. He was an absolutely clinical striker that could score with his head as well as left foot or right, and was as good at scoring from outside the box as he was inside. As well as this, I wouldn't want to be the keeper when Alan was taking penalties or free kicks. To say he leathered the ball would be an understatement. You only have to look at who he kept out of the team to realise how great he was.



The rest of the squad

David Seaman, Brad Friedel, Denis Irwin, John Arne Riise, Lee Dixon, Rio Ferdinand, Jaap Stam, Steve Bruce, Patrick Vieira, Paul Scholes, Matt Le Tissier, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Ginola, Thierry Henry, Gianfranco Zola, Dennis Bergkamp, Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney.


I am sure there are people that will disagree with one or two of these selections, but I think it would not be too far out with most. When you take a step back and look at the whole twenty years of the Premier League, you really do understand why it is widely regarded as the most exciting league in the world. If you want to let me know your team, add comments below or message me on Twitter.

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