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Since the Premier League was founded in 1992, only 12 players have made over 500 appearances in the league. With just 3 players making it to 600 appearances, numerous players have made over 400 appearances in the most watched league in the world.
In a list dominated by English players, there are quite a few players from other countries who have made a staggering number of appearances in the Premier League. However, the five players in focus who are still active with PL clubs and continue to add to their numbers are all English.
Here we take a look at five players who are currently plying their trade in the PL and have made the highest appearances in the league.
#5 James Milner (464 appearances)
Former English international and veteran Premier League player, James Milner has made over 450 appearances for five different clubs since his debut for Leeds United in 2002. After 2 seasons and a relegation at the start of his career with Leeds, Milner moved to Newcastle to enhance his career opportunities.
After four seasons at the Toon, including a year on loan at Aston Villa, the 31-year-old made his move to Villa permanent in 2008. Joining the club, under manager Martin O'Neill the Englishman produced some of his best football moments with a team that were playing scintillating football.
However, with the departure of O'Neill, Milner moved to Manchester City in 2010. At City, the Englishman enjoyed his most successful spell at any club as he was part of the squad that claimed two Premier League titles in 11-12 and 13-14.
In 2015, the 61 time capped English international moved to Liverpool on a free transfer and established himself as an integral part of the system. Milner also called time on his international career a year later.
4. Wayne Rooney (471 appearances)
England's all-time record goalscorer and former captain, Wayne Rooney sits fourth on the active list of highest appearance-makers in the Premier League. With 471 appearances and counting Rooney also holds the record for scoring the most number of goals with a single Premier League club and is second to only Alan Shearer on the all-time Premier League goalscorers list.
Rooney began his career at Everton at a tender age of 16, before moving to Manchester United and winning all there is to win in club football. In 2017, the 32-year-old moved back to join his boyhood club Everton.
However, the Blues from Merseyside have not yet appointed a manager and are struggling in the bottom 3 of the league. Rooney seems to be settled at the club although he will be hoping for a major turnaround to avoid a relegation battle with the club.
3. Jermaine Defoe (478 appearances)
England and AFC Bournemouth striker Jermaine Defoe sits 16th on the all-time list and third on the active list of highest appearance-makers in the Premier League.
The veteran English forward has made 478 Premier League appearances since his debut for West Ham United in 2002. Having played for numerous Premier League clubs, Defoe has earned a fierce reputation over the years for being a clinical finisher. With a host of goals to his name and controversial transfer moves throughout his career, Defoe's impact in the league has been immense.
The England international made his debut for England in 2004, and the 35-year-old striker is vying for a place in Gareth Southgate's 2018 World Cup squad. Defoe moved back to Bournemouth at the start of the season and has found it a little hard to fit into the system under Eddie Howe. However, the second half of the season is where Defoe picks up steam as the Englishman will be eager to make an impact.
#2 Micheal Carrick (479 appearances)
England and Manchester United central midfielder, Micheal Carrick has made 479 Premier League appearances for West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, since his debut in 1999 for the Hammers.
After five years at the Hammers, Carrick moved to rivals and neighbours Spurs for two seasons establishing himself as a solid Premier League player. Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United came calling in 2006 as the creative English midfielder joined the Red Devils.
Despite winning multiple honours with the club and being an integral part of the squad's success, Carrick has failed to enjoy a fruitful English career. However, the 36-year-old is still hoping to make Gareth Southgate's England World Cup squad for Russia 2018. If Carrick manages to get picked in the 2018 World Cup squad next year, it will cap off an incredible end to a stellar career.
#1 Gareth Barry (640 appearances)
Former English international and Premier League winner Gareth Barry made his Premier League debut for Aston Villa in 1998 and has since gone on to make a staggering 640 Premier League appearances. Barry is the all-time record holder for the most PL appearances and still plies his trade in England's top-flight with West Bromwich Albion.
After 10 years at Villa, the captain of the club, Barry moved to Manchester City, where he played a crucial role in guiding the club to their first Premier League triumph.
The Englishman surpassed the previous record holder Ryan Giggs with 632 appearances to his name. A veteran holding midfielder, Gareth Barry will go down in Premier League history as one of the greatest English midfielders.
He also played for Everton till the start of the season, since his move away from Man City in 2013, when he opted to move to West Brom. The club is without a manager and will need all the experience the veteran midfielder has to offer.
