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The Premier League has produced enthralling and competitive action in the last few decades. Founded in 1992, the Premier League is just a few months away from completing 30 years.
The task of selecting the all-time greatest Premier League XI only gets tougher as the years go on. The 2000s was a glorious era for the Premier League. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United formed the top four. The best players of that decade largely played for one of those four clubs.
The status quo has changed in the last decade or so, though. Manchester City have become the most dominant side, while teams like Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City have also made their mark. The increased competition has only made it more difficult to select the best players in the league's history.
Most players in the all-time greatest Premier League XI are retired players, after years of exploits in the competition. However, the current generation also comprises several talented players who could get included in that exalted XI. On that note, here are five players who could become part of the Premier League all-time XI:
#5 Virgil van Dijk (2020 Premier League winner)
Virgil van Dijk is right up there with the best Premier League centre-backs. Many fans might put him above the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in terms of defensive ability. The 2019 Ballon d’Or runner-up is already a Liverpool legend.
The former Southampton man is renowned for his calm and collected ability to deal with attacks. He is quicker, more robust and superior in the air when compared to some of the Premier League’s other elite defenders.
Although van Dijk’s prime might be better than Terry or Ferdinand’s, he doesn’t match the English duo’s longevity. Terry and Ferdinand were also more successful with their clubs. The Liverpool No.4 will have to win a few more medals to be considered one of the Premier League’s all-time greatest centre-backs.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne (three-time Premier League winner)
Considered the best midfielder in the world over the last few years, Kevin De Bruyne could break into the greatest Premier League XI soon. The Manchester City talisman has been a revelation for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Although De Bruyne might be better than any current Premier League central midfielder, he faces stiff competition from other greats. Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes would have a thing or two to say about De Bruyne’s inclusion in the all-time Premier League greatest XI.
Nevertheless, De Bruyne has a few years on his side. He could add to his 47 goals and 78 assists to be called one of the best central midfielders in Premier League history. Despite being injured this season, he has been key in Manchester City's title charge.
#3 Mohamed Salah (2020 Premier League winner)
Mohamed Salah can already stake his claim for a place in the all-time Premier League XI. The right-winger is literally competing with prolific Premier League strikers like Thierry Henry and Sergio Aguero in terms of goal-per-game ratio.
Salah is currently the top goalscorer in the Premier League, and is also leading the way for assists this season. Like many players on this list, the only concern for Salah is his longevity. If the Egyptian can maintain his form for a few more years, he would be a shoo-in in the competition's greatest XI.
The Premier League is known for its central midfielders and strikers. There haven’t been many prolific wingers in the Premier League era. However, Salah’s inclusion in the all-time greatest Premier League XI might require a 4-3-3 formation with Thierry Henry on the other flank.
#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold (2020 Premier League winner)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has the most straightforward route into the all-time Premier League XI, as the competition hasn't had many world-class right-backs. Gary Neville is probably the best right-back in Premier League history, but that is because of his longevity and career honours.
Alexander-Arnold has been key in Liverpool’s success in the last few seasons. Still only 23, the Scouser should easily feature in the all-time Premier League XI by the time he hangs up his boots. He’s already one of the defenders with the most assists in Premier League history.
The Liverpool right-back has over 50 goal contributions in just 145 Premier League games. If he can maintain that form for a few more years, he could end up being the most prolific right-back in the game's history.
#1 Harry Kane
Harry Kane is chasing Alan Shearer’s Premier League record of 260 goals. He is also vying for the former Newcastle man’s spot in the all-time greatest Premier League XI. If Kane overtakes Shearer, he will merit a place in the competition's all-time XI.
The Tottenham Hotspur man has been out of form this season. He will have to start firing on all cylinders again to close the gap (91 goals) between him and Shearer. Moreover, he also needs to win the competition to be considered a bonafide Premier League legend.
As mentioned earlier, Salah’s presence in the all-time greatest Premier League XI would shift Henry to the left wing. That would allow Kane to feature as a No.9. However, the Euro 2020 finalist will have to continue performing well for the next few years to enter that conversation.
