Ranking the 5 greatest English players in Premier League history

The Premier League is home to English football. Being the home country, the league has obviously seen a plethora of English footballers on its stage. Boasting an assortment of talent, the Premier League is the perfect vessel for English footballers to develop their skills and progress their careers.

England has produced innumerable football legends. Every Premier League club has had its own share of English legends and the list seems to be in a state of constant growth.

Let's take a look at the five greatest English players to feature in the Premier League.

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#5. Steven Gerrard - Liverpool

Leicester City v Liverpool - Premier League

Steven Gerrard is arguably one of the most legendary players in Liverpool's history.

Despite never winning a Premier League title himself, the Englishman was a constant figure in Liverpool's success over the course of his career. Club captain for the majority of his career, Gerrard is well remembered for building the foundation for Liverpool's recent accomplishments.

Gerrard was an unbelievably versatile footballer. Primarily a midfielder, he was capable of slotting in anywhere in the center of the park. He has, on occasion, played in attack as well and has always led the team from the front.

Gerrard won two FA Cups with Liverpool, as well as the unforgettable UEFA Champions League title in 2005 in Istanbul. With Liverpool finding themselves 3-0 down at the break, club captain Gerrard took it upon himself to inspire his team to a comeback for the ages.

He scored the Reds' first goal in the second half. Liverpool went on to draw the match and win the tie on penalties, with Gerrard putting in a 'Man of the Match' performance.

Gerrard left Liverpool in 2015, but is still considered one of the most important players in the club's history. He now manages another Premier League club Aston Villa.

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#4. Frank Lampard - Chelsea, Manchester City

Bolton Wanderers v Chelsea - Premier League

Frank Lampard is a truly esteemed figure in Chelsea history.

The midfielder enjoyed a long and successful career with the Blues after signing from West Ham United in 2001. He spent 13 years with Chelsea before moving to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Lampard is widely regarded as a generational midfielder. He added an incredible output of goals despite being a midfielder, a feat that was unheard of at the time. He is regarded by many as a visionary who created the mold of the modern-day Premier League midfielder.

Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, one UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Champions League during his time with the club. He also holds the record for being Chelsea's all-time highest goalscorer (211), while also providing the most assists (92) in the club's history.

A midfielder as complete as Lampard comes along only once in a generation and the fans who watched him succeed may consider themselves truly lucky.

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#3. Alan Shearer - Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United

Alan Shearer celebrating scoring a goal

Alan Shearer is the best goalscorer in the history of the Premier League with 260 goals.

Shearer began his career with Southampton, where he spent four years before moving to Blackburn Rovers in 1992. Shearer created history with Blackburn during his four years with the club.

The Englishman's goalscoring record with Blackburn was simply phenomenal. Shearer made 161 appearances during his four years with the club, scoring a mammoth 123 goals while also providing 30 assists. He won the Premier League with Blackburn before moving to Newcastle United in 1996.

Shearer went on to spend 10 years with Newcastle, establishing himself as a bonafide club legend. Although he never won the Premier League with the side, he went on to add a ridiculous number of goals to his name.

He is widely regarded as the best goalscorer the country has ever seen.

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#2. Paul Scholes - Manchester United

Manchester United v Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

Paul Scholes is one of the most decorated footballers in Premier League history.

The Englishman was part of Manchester United's esteemed 'Class of '92' that produced a number of world-class footballers who retired as club legends. Scholes spent close to 20 years with the Red Devils and won every trophy in club football.

Scholes' greatest ability was his impeccable passing. His right foot has often been described as a wizard's wand owing to the sheer precision with which he wielded it.

Scholes could pick out a teammate from pretty much anywhere on the field. He also had a deadly long-shot in his arsenal and has often scored unbelievable goals from outside the box.

Scholes won an unbelievable 11 Premier League titles, as well as three FA Cups and two UEFA Champions League awards. His longevity and technical ability have often been praised by teammates and opponents alike.

Paul Scholes is undoubtedly a legend of the modern game.

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#1. Wayne Rooney - Everton, Manchester United

Switzerland v England - UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier

Wayne Rooney is one of the best players in the history of the Premier League.

The Englishman joined Manchester United in 2004 from Everton and went on to spend 13 long years with the Red Devils. He won every club trophy on offer during his time with the club and cemented his place as a bonafide club legend.

Rooney was incredibly versatile and played in several positions during his time with the club. Primarily an attacker, he was a natural goalscorer who operated in midfield on occasion.

Rooney was an out-and-out goalscorer. He made 559 appearances during his time with the club, scoring a club-record 253 goals and providing an insane 146 assists. He worked extremely hard and always left it all out on the pitch.

Rooney won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three EFL Cups, one UEFA Europa League and one UEFA Champions League with Manchester United.

He also holds several individual records to his name, including also being England's highest-ever goalscorer (120). He is also the only ever player in Premier League history to score over 200 goals while also registering over 100 assists.

Rooney retired in 2021 but is fondly remembered by football fans as one of the best to ever play the game.