As the summer winds down and the excitement from the Euros begins to fade, football fans across the globe are eagerly anticipating the return of the Premier League. Mark your calendars for Friday, August 16th, when Manchester United will kick off the new season against Fulham. With the anticipation building, it’s the perfect moment to delve into a timeless debate: who makes it into the best Premier League XI of all time?
In light of Manchester City’s recent dominance and the formation of what many are calling a modern-day dynasty, it’s an opportune time to assess whether their current stars have earned a place among the league’s greatest.
365Scores has undertaken the challenging task of compiling this illustrious squad, evaluating players based on individual talent, Premier League records, trophy hauls, and their superstar status during their time in the league. Join us as we celebrate the legends, scrutinize the statistics, and honor the superstars who have graced the Premier League over the years.
The Team
Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel
Peter Schmeichel needs to be included in the best Premier League XI of all time due to his exceptional contributions to Manchester United’s dominance during the 1990s. Renowned for his commanding presence, remarkable shot-stopping ability, and leadership skills, Schmeichel played a pivotal role in United’s five Premier League titles and the historic treble in the 1998-1999 season. A move to rivals Manchester City slightly soured his reputation among United fans, but not his overall legacy.
His agility, consistency, and game-changing saves set new standards for goalkeeping in the Premier League, making him an indispensable figure in any all-time best XI lineup. His son, Kasper, was also an excellent goalkeeper for Leicester, leaving an impressive legacy of Schmeichel goalkeepers.
Kasper and Peter Schmeichel 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/b7F2PbxveV
— 90s Football (@90sfootball) July 3, 2024
Left-Back – Ashley Cole
It was impossible to stop a young Cristiano Ronaldo in the Premier League, but Ashley Cole was the only man who regularly dealt with the challenge. Cole is revered as one of the finest left-backs to grace the Premier League, excelling defensively and offensively throughout his career. His time at Arsenal and Chelsea saw him accumulate three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, embodying consistency and excellence. Cole’s ability to seamlessly transition from defense to attack, coupled with his tactical awareness and defensive tenacity, made him a key figure in both club and international football.
With multiple PFA Team of the Year selections and numerous other honors, including being named Chelsea Player of the Year in 2011, Cole’s legacy is firmly cemented as one of the league’s greatest full-backs.
Centre Back – Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic, the Serbian stalwart, is celebrated for his uncompromising defending and leadership during his tenure at Manchester United. Forming a formidable partnership with Rio Ferdinand, Vidic was instrumental in United’s defensive solidity and success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, winning five Premier League titles and the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League.
His aerial prowess, impeccable positioning, and ability to marshal the backline made him a nightmare for opposing strikers. Vidic’s contributions were duly recognized with multiple appearances in the PFA Team of the Year and the honor of being named Premier League Player of the Season twice (2008-09, 2010-11).
The only players in PL history to win Player of the Season award twice:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) July 20, 2024
Kevin De Bruyne
Cristiano Ronaldo
Thierry Henry
Nemanja Vidić pic.twitter.com/xRI2vPm5vm
Centre-Back – John Terry
John Terry, synonymous with Chelsea’s golden era under Jose Mourinho, is a defensive titan renowned for his leadership and defensive prowess. A one-club man, Terry captained Chelsea to five Premier League titles, displaying impeccable reading of the game and exceptional tackling ability. His aerial dominance and composure under pressure were pivotal in Chelsea’s defensive strategies, earning him numerous accolades including the PFA Player of the Year in 2004-05. Terry’s influence extended beyond the pitch, epitomizing dedication and resilience, making him a true icon of the Premier League era.
Right-Back – Gary Neville
Gary Neville, a product of Manchester United’s famed youth academy, established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable right-backs in Premier League history. Known for his tenacious defending and overlapping runs, Neville was a key component of United’s domestic and European success under Sir Alex Ferguson. With eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League triumphs to his name, Neville’s longevity and dedication to the club earned him widespread respect. His understanding of the game and tactical awareness made him an integral part of United’s defensive unit and a role model for aspiring full-backs.
Centre-Midfield – Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is a United and Premier League legend. He’s so good that when United struggled after he retired, he decided to rejoin, win them the league and then retire again. Just because he could.
Scholes is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in Premier League history. His vision, passing accuracy, and ability to score crucial goals from midfield made him a cornerstone of Manchester United’s success under Sir Alex Ferguson. Over his career, Scholes amassed 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. His intelligence on the ball, range of passing, and knack for finding space allowed him to control the tempo of matches and link play between defense and attack seamlessly.
Scholes’ longevity and consistency at the highest level, combined with his knack for delivering in big games, solidify his place in the best Premier League XI.
Centre-Midfield – Patrick Viera
When you’re the captain in the first (and only) team to go an entire Premier League season without losing a match, it’s hard to be left out of a best Premier League XI like this.
Patrick Vieira’s inclusion in the best Premier League XI is cemented by his formidable presence in Arsenal’s midfield, particularly during their historic “Invincibles” season in 2003-2004. As captain, Vieira led Arsenal through an unbeaten league campaign, showcasing his exceptional defensive skills, physicality, and leadership. Vieira’s ability to break up opposition play, drive his team forward, and contribute offensively with key goals and assists made him an all-round midfielder par excellence.
His battles with rival midfielders, most notably Roy Keane (who he edged out to make this team) epitomized the competitive spirit and high standards of the Premier League.
Right-Winger – Cristiano Ronaldo
The best player to have played in the Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese phenomenon, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and a Premier League legend. Bursting onto the scene with Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo’s combination of blistering pace, technical wizardry, and prolific goal-scoring ability transformed him into a global superstar. During his six-year stint at Old Trafford, Ronaldo won three Premier League titles and the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, collecting numerous individual awards including two PFA Player of the Year honors. His 31 league goals in the 2007-08 season remain a testament to his scoring prowess and impact on the league.
🇵🇹 It’s 15 years to the day that Cristiano Ronaldo scored this iconic free-kick in Manchester United’s 2-0 win against Portsmouth.
— PremXtra (@PremXtra) January 30, 2023
The best free-kick in Premier League history? 🤔🎯pic.twitter.com/oVSSUThk20
Striker – Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer’s inclusion in the best Premier League XI is unquestionable, given his status as the league’s all-time leading goalscorer with 260 goals. His prolific scoring record, achieved during his time with Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, set the benchmark for strikers in the Premier League.
Shearer’s exceptional finishing ability, powerful headers, and clinical penalty-taking made him a nightmare for defenders. He played a crucial role in Blackburn Rovers’ Premier League title win in the 1994-1995 season, showcasing his ability to perform consistently at the highest level.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Shearer was also known for his leadership and tenacity, often captaining his teams and inspiring those around him. His impact on the Premier League and English football as a whole ensures his rightful place in the best Premier League XI of all time.
No one is even close to breaking his record. The only danger is that Harry Kane returns to the Premier League as he is Shearer’s closest competitor. For now, his record is safe.
Striker – Wayne Rooney
Bursting onto the scene as a teenager with Everton, Rooney moved to Manchester United where he won five Premier League titles, the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League, and became the club’s record goal scorer.
His ability to score crucial goals in big matches and adapt to various roles on the pitch showcased his football intelligence and determination. Rooney’s impact was felt both domestically and internationally, cementing his status as a true Premier League great.
Also, what other striker is scoring a goal like the one below…?
📅 12 February 2011
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2024
Wayne Rooney. Manchester derby. Say no more. ✨ pic.twitter.com/ugFfoKbvDH
Left-Winger – Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry, the elegant French forward, mesmerized Premier League audiences with his speed, skill, and clinical finishing during his time at Arsenal. Henry’s ability to effortlessly glide past defenders and score sublime goals earned him four Golden Boot awards and two Premier League titles with the Gunners. His 2003-04 season, where he scored 30 goals in the league and led Arsenal to an unbeaten campaign, remains iconic in English football history. Henry’s influence extended beyond his goal-scoring exploits; he redefined the role of a striker with his vision and creativity, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the league’s greatest ever forwards.
#OnThisDay 🇫🇷
— Project Football (@ProjectFootball) April 9, 2024
Thierry Henry sent Liverpool to the shops 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/c6QzJceW49
The VERY Honourable Mentions
- Petr Cech (Goalkeeper) – 4 Premier League titles with Chelsea, known for commanding presence and crucial saves.
- Rio Ferdinand (Centre-Back) – 6 Premier League titles with Manchester United, renowned for leadership and defensive prowess.
- Vincent Kompany (Centre-Back) – 4 Premier League titles with Manchester City, known for strength and inspirational leadership.
- Roy Keane (Centre-Midfield) – 6 Premier League titles with United, captain and leader, renowned for physicality and technical skill in midfield.
- Frank Lampard (Centre-Midfield) – Propelled Chelsea to Premier League glory many times, lethal goal scorer, known for all-around effectiveness and leadership.
- Kevin de Bruyne – Attacking Midfielder – Best passer in PL history, could find space in a nightclub, incredible assister and title winner
- Ryan Giggs (Left-Winger) – 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United, renowned for longevity and dribbling skills.
- Sergio Aguero (Striker) – Premier League’s all-time foreign top scorer with 184 goals, won countless titles with City, known for clinical finishing and aerial ability.
- Mohamed Salah (Winger) – Broke the Premier League season scoring record before it was broken by Erling Haaland, amongst the top scorers of all time, broke Liverpool’s league title duck
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyHelfgott1 on Twitter (X)
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