Ranking the 5 greatest Spanish players in Premier League history

It goes without saying that Spanish footballers display a certain flair that is unparalleled by any other.

The Premier League has been fortunate to feature some of history's best Spaniards over the years. Spanish football is typically known for its quick passing, tiki-taka style that is extremely easy on the eye.

It is difficult to rank the best-ever Spanish players, as they have all enjoyed incredibly high success rates during their time in England. The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have boasted some fantastic Spanish footballers over the years.

However, let's try and rank the top five Spanish footballers in Premier League history.

---

#5. Cesar Azpilicueta - Chelsea

Manchester City v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League Final

Cesar Azpilicueta is a bonafide Chelsea legend.

The defender joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2012 and the rest is history. He is extremely consistent with his performances and Azpilicueta has rewritten the definition of a modern-day defender.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed a vastly successful career over the past 10 years with Chelsea Football Club. Having started out initially as an understudy full-back, he worked his way into the first-team and went on to enjoy great success.

Azpilicueta has won a boatload of trophies with the London outfit. He has won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one EFL Cup, two UEFA Europa League trophies and one UEFA Champions League at Chelsea.

Certainly a legend of the game, Azpilicueta is approaching the twilight years of his career. His mentorship of younger players like Reece James and Andreas Christensen has gone a long way towards the club's success.

---

#4. David de Gea - Manchester United

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League

David de Gea is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history.

The Spaniard joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011 and has remained a mainstay in goal ever since. Having been signed as a young talent, De Gea has developed into one of the world's best goalkeepers.

De Gea has received plenty of criticism throughout his career. He is undoubtedly an incredible shot-stopper and his reflexes are excellent.

De Gea has won a Premier League title, an FA Cup, an EFL Cup and a UEFA Europa League during his time with the Manchester outfit. He is still considered by some to be the best goalkeeper in England and is often seen rescuing United with his efforts in goal.

---

#3. Juan Mata - Chelsea, Manchester United

Manchester United v Chelsea - Premier League

Juan Mata is one of the most technically gifted players of his generation.

The midfielder has had the pleasure of representing two Premier League clubs: Chelsea and Manchester United. Mata was signed by Chelsea in 2011, where he spent three years before signing for Manchester United.

Mata is an excellent playmaker and displays great skill in tight spaces. His technique is world-class and he is adept at picking out teammates while also being able to score goals himself.

Mata has enjoyed his fair share of success with both clubs. With Chelsea, he won an FA Cup, a UEFA Europa League and a memorable UEFA Champions League. Mata has won an FA Cup and a UEFA Europa League with Manchester United.

As Mata approaches the twilight of his career, it is clear that his impact on the game is undeniable. Mata continues to be an icon for several young fans across the globe.

---

#2. Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal, Chelsea

Arsenal v AZ Alkmaar - UEFA Champions League

Cesc Fabregas is a modern-day legend of the Premier League.

Having begun his career with Arsenal, Fabregas quickly grew into one of the club's most important players. He went on to become the youngest-ever player, youngest-ever goalscorer and youngest-ever captain in the club's history.

Despite winning only one FA Cup with the Gunners, Fabregas is credited with being the face of Arsenal's metamorphosis. The Spanish midfielder stepped up on the world's biggest stage even when the club was going through financial turmoil and is fondly remembered as a club legend.

Fabregas moved to Barcelona before later signing for Chelsea in 2014. He spent five years with Chelsea and enjoyed great success. Fabregas won two Premier League titles and one FA Cup during his stint with the Blues and is most well-known for forming a formidable attacking partnership with compatriot Diego Costa.

Currently 34 years old, Fabregas plys his trade with Monaco in Ligue 1. His style of play and his incredible understanding of the game at such a young age has inspired several fans and players alike.

---

#1. David Silva - Manchester City

Manchester City v Manchester United - Carabao Cup: Semi Final

David Silva is quite possibly the best Spanish player in Premier League history.

The midfielder joined Manchester City in 2010 and is credited with being one of the faces of the club's transformation into a world-class unit. Silva displayed a truly unique style of football and was an integral part of the club's success over the past decade.

Having been signed as a promising midfielder, Silva went on to become one of the best players in Manchester City's history. During his 10-year period with the Cityzens, Silva contributed largely towards the club's first-ever Premier League title and then some.

David Silva, along with the likes of Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero and Kevin de Bruyne, have etched their names into Manchester City folklore. In his 10 years in Manchester, Silva won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and five EFL Cups.

Silva is one of the most decorated players in Manchester City history and is undeniably one of the club's biggest legends in the Premier League era.