This is one of the more controversial subjects to determine. It’s not fact, it’s just pure opinion as to who would make the Premier League’s all time starting lineup.
Below will show the side (with some notation on each and why). Names that are not selected may be mentioned, and furious fans, supporting of
certain clubs, will no doubt disagree.
With each name selected I will be posting the next in line for that position, that would in a sense create a 22 man squad. I have allowed only for players not currently playing in the league.
Here goes, the first string XI
GK – Peter Schmeichal
RB – Denis Irwin
LB – Ashley Cole
CB – Vincent Kompany
CB – Sol Campbell
RCM – Steven Gerrard
CDM – Roy Keane (c)
LCM – Paul Scholes
RF – Dennis Bergkamp
CF – Alan Shearer
LF – Thierry Henry
Second String XI
GK – Petr ÄŒech
RB – Pablo Zabaleta
LB – Stuart Pearce
CB – Jaap Stam
CB – Nemanja Vidić
RCM – Frank Lampard
CDM – Patrick Vieira
LCM – Ryan Giggs
RF – Sergio Aguero
CF – Didier Drogba
LF – Eric Cantona
Notable mentions, as follows;
David Seaman, Tim Flowers.
John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Tony Adams, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King.
Gilberto Silva, Yaya Toure, David Silva, Michael Essien, Matt Le Tissier, Luka Modric, David Beckham.
Luis Suarez, Gianfranco Zola,, Robin Van Persie, Christiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale.
The Team,
Peter Schmeichel
Simply sensational, a monster of a goalkeeper. If not for injuries, the brilliance of Petr ÄŒech may have overcome the big Dane eventually. But the pick was pretty straight forward in the end.
Denis Irwin
The leagues greatest ever fullback, able to operate on either side as a right footed left back. A wonderful player and supreme striker of the ball on set pieces. A favourite of Fergie, and quite rightly so.
Ashley Cole
The combination of Arsene Wenger’s finesse coaching, and José Mourinho’s tactical and defensive mastery, created a world class left back in Cole. A world class player that walks into this team.
Vincent Kompany
A Brilliant leader, and modern day central defender that led Manchester City to massive success. There will be huge debate given the many options and preferences, but Vinny was truly exceptional, and allowed a new wave of football to evolve in front of him with his assurance at the back.
Sol Campbell
The invincible season will go down in history, and at the base of that brilliant defence sat a monster in Sol Campbell. Many other defenders had both outstanding and good quality’s, but Sol had everything. He was quick, strong, read the game brilliantly and his best days were better than any others in my opinion.
Steven Gerrard
The midfield dynamo that could do everything. Best deployed as a rampaging powerhouse, his ability to win games and drag his team towards glory was phenomenal. At his peak, maybe the best midfielder on the planet.
Paul Scholes
An exquisite footballer that could pull the strings from deep, and score some great goals. His ability to dictate a game next to Gerrard and the next name, make it a breathtaking midfield trio.
Roy Keane
Perhaps no better captain has graced the league, with his drive, determination and commitment evenly matching his footballing ability. A wonderful all time great that would no accept failure.
Dennis Bergkamp
The forward line is the trickiest, and there is no right answers, only opinions. Dennis was a genius, and his tenure in that great Arsene Wenger side made both he, and them, a magnificent watch.
Alan Shearer
A pure goalscoring machine that given my age, meant I was able to admire every one of his many goals. Unstoppable at times, and despite injuries, has a tremendous record.
Thierry Henry
For me the leagues greatest ever, with an ability and grace that was unmatched. He was among the worlds best, and Henry in full flight was a sight to behold.
The manager would be Sir Alex Ferguson, of that there can be no debate. And though many may question the selections, it goes to show, just how blessed this almost 30 year period of the Premier League has been.
Better team =
GK – Peter Schmeichal
RB – Branislav Ivanovic
LB – Ashley Cole
CB – John Terry
CB – Lesley King
RCM – Xabi Alonso
CDM – Kante
LCM – Frank Lampard
RF – Christiano Ronaldo
CF – Alan Shearer
LF – Thierry Henry
Now that’s even more controversial than mine !!!
Kante was never a CDM, his bests seasons were always in a two, with first Danny Drinkwater as the holder, and then Matic at Chelsea. He’s a pressing machine, not a holder. And Irwin was simply phenomenal, and I like Ivanovic. Alonso was elite, but never world class till he left, same as CR7, who became ‘that’ player only at Madrid.
Thanks for the comment.