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The Premier League is arguably the most challenging competition in world football. Along with its physically demanding nature, it extracts and calls for skill, pace and experience. While some players have turned into stars and world-class personalities on this stage, many others have succumbed to the pressure and exhausting schedule.
First of all, it takes a lot of potential, physical and mental fitness, consistency and spirit to play in this league for a long time. Having said that, one must also improve their game on a day-to-day basis and adapt to various systems. As they say, football is a funny game. You may not know what is going to happen to you tomorrow.
Amidst this chaos of European football and the fast-paced Premier League, there are four players who have made over 100 league appearances for three different clubs.
Here are those four conspicuous talents who have achieved this rare feat.
#4 Rory Delap
Derby County: 103
Southampton: 116
Stoke City: 134
Delap, a former schoolboy Javelin champion, possessed one of the best throw-ins in football. He broke through the youth ranks of Carlisle United, which led to a move to Derby County. Over the course of four years, he scored 11 league goals for the Rams. He then became the then-club record signing for the Saints in 2001 for a fee of £4 million.
He was an integral member of the side for four years, before being transferred to Sunderland. After a short stint with the Black Cats, he moved to Stoke City, for whom he made a fantastic 134 appearances.
Delap was known for his energy and pace in midfield. He wasn't the best in moving the ball from defence to attack, but the midfielder was quick to cover ground, shut passing lanes and close down attacks.
#3 James Milner
Aston Villa: 100
Manchester City: 147
Liverpool: 100*
James Milner is the newest member of this elite club. The versatile player started his career with the Leeds United youth setup. He was sold to Aston Villa on loan from Newcastle in 2005. He did return to his parent club but was eventually sold.
After a couple of successful seasons at Aston Villa as a permanent signing, Milner was transferred to Manchester City.
He made over 200 appearances for them and was a prominent member of the City midfield for many years.
After they released him due to the signing of other players, he was purchased by Liverpool in 2015. He has been deployed in an advanced role, as a midfielder and as a wingback since then.
The best of Milner has come under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp, who's attacking philosophy has seen many Liverpool players develop.
On the day he achieved this procurement, he also claimed his 19th assist for the Reds - which placed him to seventh place in the all-time list for most assists in the Premier League. The midfielder is also one of the safest penalty takers in the league.
#2 Gary Speed
Leeds United: 143
Newcastle United: 213
Bolton Wanderers: 121
Gary Speed was one of the greatest footballing minds to have ever played. He was Leeds United to the core. Having seen the Peacocks to promotion twice, he joined Everton in 1996 after 312 appearances and 58 goals for Leeds.
He shifted to Newcastle United after almost two seasons with Everton - the reason for his departure was never really revealed.
He became the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances. The former Bolton midfielder was also the coach for the Welsh national team.
He could play at left-back and on all three sides of a midfield. Gifted with fine tactical and technical knowledge of the game, Speed could create and score goals with aplomb. Defensively too, he was a live wire.
In his generation, the wily playmaker was one of the fittest players, someone who was capable of playing every single game of the season.
Unfortunately, he supposedly hung himself in November 2011, aged 42.
#1 Gareth Barry
Aston Villa: 365
Manchester City: 132
Everton: 131
Gareth Barry needs no introduction to his prowess and ability. With the highest number of Premier League experience, he stands a mile ahead of the rest. As a young kid, he moved to Aston Villa from Brighton and Hove Albion. He led the side and made a staggering 441 appearances for the Villans in all competitions.
Due to his consistency and desire to start a new project, he moved to Manchester City in 2009. The defensive midfielder won the FA Cup and the Premier League with the Cityzens, where he stayed for four full seasons.
After impressing repeatedly impressing in his loan spell at Everton, the 37-year-old was permanently snapped up. In total, he has 53 league goals to his name.
Known for his ability to read the game, spray passes and maintain the defensive shape of the side, Barry will undoubtedly go down as one of the Premier League greats.
