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The Premier League has been a growing platform for some of the best players in the world. Historically, it has produced some world-class players and it continues to do so.
The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Xabi Alonso and many others developed into their best in the Premier League. These names attracted interest from big clubs based on their performances in England and eventually decided to leave the division.
Few top Premier League players struggled outside England
All said and done, not every world-class player has found success since leaving the Premier League. Despite the league being one of the toughest in Europe, the transition to another competition hasn't gone well for some of these players.
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Such players could have achieved a lot more had they stayed in England's top-tier division. On that note, let's take a look at five of the best players who should have never left the Premier League:
#5 Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Aaron Ramsey was one of the few players who had been very consistent for Arsenal, especially in the last decade. The Welshman was a key player under Arsene Wenger's management.
With his high work-rate, smart play on the pitch and an amazing knack for scoring goals on the most unexpected occasions, Ramsey proved a valuable asset. He offered a significant amount of contribution to Arsenal in attack and defense.
His late run in the box resulted in goals on quite a frequent basis. It was important that a player of his caliber and experience stayed at Arsenal after Wenger's departure. But Ramsey decided to join Juventus in 2019 and unfortunately it didn't play out well for either him or Arsenal.
The Welsh midfielder did win some trophies with the Old Lady but with time, he has run out of favor. Had he been in the Premier League, it would have certainly benefitted all parties involved.
#4 Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
The Brazilian signed for Liverpool in 2013 after struggling to impress at Inter Milan. Playing in the Premier League was going to be a big task for Philippe Coutinho but he surpassed everyone's expectations.
The former Espanyol midfielder became an important player for the Reds over time. With his amazing close-control of the ball, smart dribbling and superb ability to create goals, Coutinho was impressive in the Premier League. To add, his beautiful right-footed curling goals were a delight to watch.
During his 152 appearances in the Premier League, Coutinho scored 41 goals and recorded 36 assists. He blossomed under the management of Jurgen Klopp before Barcelona came knocking for his signature. He signed for the Catalan club in 2018 but the move hasn't worked out well for him.
Despite winning trophies with the Spanish giants, Coutinho has never reached the level he did with Liverpool. He has struggled to gel in with his teammates and lost his place in the starting eleven. Meanwhile, Liverpool have done phenomenally well since his departure. They have won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, becoming one of the most exciting teams in Europe right now.
#3 Eden Hazard
The Belgian forward was one of the best players in the Premier League during his time with Chelsea. With his nimble footwork and amazing ability to glide past defenders, Eden Hazard was a constant threat in attack.
He joined Chelsea in 2012 and has since gone on to become a massive player for the London club. What was most amazing about Hazard with the Blues was his consistency. He was relentless with his approach, forcing the defenders to make a mistake.
In the 2018-19 season, Hazard went on to score 16 goals and record 15 assists, his best season in a Chelsea jersey. Following which, the Belgian joined Real Madrid. Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to achieve a similar feat with Los Blancos. In his 37 appearances in La Liga to date, the former Lille man has only managed to score four times.
It is safe to say that the move has backfired for Hazard. With injuries and poor form, the 30-year old hasn't looked comfortable in Spain. Meanwhile, Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League last season and look really solid in the Premier League this term. Hazard would surely have cherished it more had he been with the Blues.
#2 Nicolas Anelka
Nicolas Anelka has played for a number of clubs in his football career but some of his best moments came in the Premier League. He joined Arsenal in 1997 and won the PFA Young Player of the Year Award the following season.
Claiming unhappiness in England due to the British press, Anelka decided to join Real Madrid in 1999. The move was one of the worst transfers of his career as he did not settle well with Los Blancos and joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) the following season.
Post that, Anelka spent his time with Liverpool (on loan), Manchester City, Bolton Wanderers and Chelsea in the Premier League. The Frenchman never really settled well barring his time at Chelsea. He would have achieved a lot more had he consistently stayed in England.
#1 Michael Owen
Not every English player that has left the Premier League to play elsewhere has found success. Michael Owen's career makes a very valid argument for that. The Englishman was one of the best strikers in the league during his time at Liverpool.
In his 216 Premier League appearances with the Reds, he scored 117 goals. In the process, he won the league's Golden Boot award twice and also the Ballon d'Or in 2001. In 2004, he decided to join Real Madrid after he saw Liverpool falling behind their rivals under Gerard Houllier's management.
Unfortunately, the English striker couldn't find the same form in Spain and was seldom used as a substitute. He returned to the Premier League after just a season with Los Blancos and joined Newcastle United. He then signed Manchester United in 2009 but could never replicate his form at Liverpool ever again. It would have been best for him had he not left the league in the first place.
