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The definition of "world-class" often differs depending on who you ask and what their views on football might be.
For lovers of attractive football, their answers might be based on brilliance in front of goal, accuracy from set-pieces, or general superiority in the final third. For fans who are more pleased with a clean sheet, world-class players might be defensive stalwarts and solid rocks in the first third.
On a more general scale, a world-class footballer has to be a gifted player with the consistency and hard work to back up that gift. South American legends like Pele and Maradona are notably world-class because of how consistently they performed throughout their careers. The same can be said for the European kings of football like George Best, Lev Yashin, and Ferenc Puskas.
Sure, these players could have a bad day at the office sometimes, but they all had one thing in common: their ability to change the game. That made them the world-class legends we so often talk about.
In the relatively short history of the Premier League, few players have stood out as world-class in their own right. They're game changers who have driven their teams forward in a way only a legendary player can. Without further ado, let's take a look at five such players, starting with Manchester City's former captain.
#5 Vincent Kompany | Manchester City
Vincent Kompany started his Manchester City career as a defensive midfielder. But the legendary Cityzens captain soon shifted to central defense and carried the club through an 11-year stint filled with progress, success and trophies.
Kompany may have joined the club aged 22, but he rose through the ranks quickly. The Belgian cemented his spot in the heart of the City defense and quickly became one of the best defenders in Premier League history.
Kompany's otherworldly strike against Leicester City in 2019 was his last goal for the club. It ended up being the all-important winner that day and eventually helped Pep Guardiola's men win the Premier League that season.
In 2012, his headed goal against Manchester United was crucial in City's Premier League title win that season. Kompany helped the Sky Blues win 12 trophies during his time at the club, and his statue at the Etihad Stadium clearly commemorates that.
#4 Steven Gerrard | Liverpool
504 Premier League appearances for Liverpool in 17 years, and that's not counting the nine years Steven Gerrard spent as a youth player for the Reds.
His creativity in the final third could only be surpassed by his dynamism, fluidity, and stamina. Gerrard is one of the best midfielders in Liverpool and Premier League history. The legendary Red is notably the only footballer to score in - and win - the finals of the League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Champions League.
It's not often that games are named after a player. But in Gerrard's case, the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham was termed the Gerrard Final, and for good reason. The star scored two goals, with one in injury time, to push the game into extra time and penalties, which Liverpool won.
During the Champions League finals of 2005, Gerrard was also on hand to score a goal and win a penalty. Both helped Liverpool overcome a 3-0 deficit against AC Milan and eventually win the match on penalties. Nine trophies with Liverpool, it's no shock Gerrard is a Premier League Hall of Famer.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United
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'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
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.
