Ranking the 5 biggest game-changers in Premier League history

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(L to R) Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.
(L to R) Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo.

#3 Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

He's widely regarded as the best player in the world and the greatest player of all time. While much of his exploits came during his stint at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo was in a blaze of glory during his first Premier League stint with Manchester United.

Within his first four seasons at Old Trafford, it was clear that the Red Devils had a world-class player on their hands. By the time he left Manchester for Madrid, Ronaldo had scored against every other club in the Premier League at the time.

He helped Manchester United to three back-to-back Premier League titles, scoring a record 34 goals during one of those title runs. Ronaldo also won the 2008 Champions League as United's top goalscorer in the competition, and won the League Cup twice.

In his six-year stint at Old Trafford, Ronaldo won nine trophies with the team. He also picked up over five individual honors, including a Ballon d'Or. Ronaldo returned to the club this summer and he's already scored three goals in four Premier League games.


#2 Didier Drogba | Chelsea

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.

Chelsea's key marksman was very potent when it came to important matches and cup finals. A true game-changer, Didier Drogba's capacity to find the winning goal made him a key figure for the Blues during his first stint at the club.

Representing the club for nearly a decade, Drogba scored 164 goals for Chelsea, but most notably netted in four separate FA Cup finals.

The legendary targetman is the Blues' highest foreign goalscorer. Drogba's eight-year career at the club saw him win 14 trophies, including back-to-back Premier League titles. The star also returned to Stamford Bridge for a season in 2014, helping the club record another Premier League title.


#1 Thierry Henry | Arsenal

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Clinical in front of goal, with a powerful shot and strong heading skills, Thierry Henry was the coveted all-round striker in the Premier League during his prime.

Joining Arsenal from Juventus, Henry quickly adapted to life at Highbury and scored over 20 goals per season in five consecutive years. The Arsenal legend is also popular for being a major part of the 2003-04 Invincibles season, helping the Gunners go unbeaten throughout their Premier League campaign.

Henry guided his side to six domestic trophies during his eight years at the club, including back-to-back FA Cups. Although he never won the Champions League with the Gunners, he guided them to a runners'-up position. Notably, the star returned on loan to Arsenal later in his career, playing seven games and scoring two goals.

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