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21. Paolo di Canio: What a freak of a player this midfielder/striker was. In his time in the EPL, he was one of the most feared players outside the clubs known as ‘The Big 4?. He could be in a truly average side but just through his play he could turn a game on its head by his acts of pure genius. Some of the goals he scored were the best in the history of the EPL. He was also a true sportsman, famously catching a ball when his team played on when an opposition player was down.
22. Cristiano Ronaldo: Again I’d rate him higher if it was purely about his skill, but his antics in regards to diving made me rate him a bit lower. That said, during his time in the EPL he was truly one of its biggest stars.
23. Wayne Rooney: Again a great player in all regards of the game, but of late his antics has lead him to be rated lower in my list, like his ex-team mate at United, Ronaldo. A great player who has the skill and capacity to do anything on a football pitch.
24. Brad Friedel: There have been many great shot stoppers in the history of the EPL. Though many have higher profiles than this great American, few would doubt his place in the game as a very fine goal keeper.
25. Jay Jay Okocha: This great African player, when brought into English football at Bolton by Big Sam Allardyce, became a cult figure with his skill and ability to score goals that left everyone and anyone in complete and utter awe.
I’m sure I’ve left many names out; in fact, any such list would be more remarkable for those who you leave out than those who you include.
A few notable exclusions are Michael Owen, Ruud Van Nistleroy, Frank Lampard, Sol Campbell, Michael Essien, Jamie Carragher, Fernando Torres and David Beckham.
