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The Premier League has always been famous for the number of foreigners that play in the league. Over the years, English has become the language of globalisation and this has helped the Premier League attract talent from all over the globe making it a very diverse division. It is the most glamorous league and has the most number of followers across the globe.
No other country has been able to match the commercial marketing of English football in recent times. It has also allowed clubs in the league to earn more money which has helped them make more expensive signings than their counterparts in Europe. Football is not the most popular game in America but that hasn't stopped from Americans moving into England and making their mark in the Premier League time and again.
Here, we take a look at the top 5 Americans who have played in the Premier League.
5. Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey landed in England in January 2007 when he signed for Fulham from New England Revolution. He spent 5 seasons at Craven Cottage scoring 60 goals and assisting 27 more in 232 appearances for the club. He signed for Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and spent a season there before returning to the United States where he joined Seattle Sounders. He returned to Fulham on a temporary loan deal later on. Dempsey was known for his versatility upfront and could play as a forward, a winger or an attacking midfielder depending on the formation of the team on the pitch.
He was known as a hard worker who could score with his feet as well as his head. During his spell at Fulham, he earned the reputation of scoring the odd “wonder goal” and was a big match player. He was an aggressive player on the pitch and his inability to control his anger sometimes lead to physical altercations on the pitch which resulted in suspensions.
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4. Brad Friedel
Bradley Friedel is a former USMNT goalkeeper who joined Liverpool in 1997 where he spent 3 seasons. He made only 31 appearances during his stint at Anfield as he was behind David James in the pecking order. He joined Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer in November 2000 and he played a crucial role in securing Blackburn's promotion to the first division that season and he helped them consolidate top-flight status for many seasons that followed.
His stint continued in England as he joined Aston Villa where he spent 3 seasons before moving onto London-based club Tottenham Hotspur in 2011. He spent 4 seasons for them making 67 appearances before hanging up his boots in 2015. His stay in England has not gone without rewards as he won the Alan Hardaker Trophy in 2002 and the Barclays Premier League Merit Award for the 2008-09 season. Friedel holds the record having the most consecutive appearances in the Premier League with the number standing at 310 for Blackburn, Villa and Spurs respectively.
3. Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan moved to Europe as a 17-year-old when he joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Though he spent the majority of his career in the MLS and his stint in England was limited to only a couple of seasons, it was most certainly an impactful stay. He joined Everton in January 2010 from LA Galaxy on loan and spent the next couple of years in Merseyside. He made 22 appearances for The Toffees where he scored 2 goals and assisted 9 more in the process.
The striker has been known for his pace and style combined with technical abilities and intelligence. He was versatile enough to play in midfield and deeper roles which made it easier for coaches to fit him in the squad during difficult situations. He willingly put in defensive shifts and was good with set-pieces and freekicks, making him a real asset for the teams he played for.
2. Christian Pulisic
The second name on the list is new age football sensation Christian Pulisic. The 21-year-old is the most promising talent to have come out of America in recent years. He joined Borussia Dortmund at the age of 15 and went through the youth ranks before consolidating a first-team place for the German club in his teenage years. The youngest ever USMNT captain moved to England this summer as he signed a deal to join Chelsea last winter after which he was loaned back to Dortmund for the remainder of the 2018-19 season. He has made 21 appearances for Chelsea this season scoring 6 and assisting another 6 in the process.
A versatile player, Pulisic can play on either wing and also as an attacking midfielder. His low centre of gravity allows him to dribble at high speeds making it difficult for opposition defenders to mark him. Pulisic during his time in Germany broke records, such as becoming the youngest non-German player to score in the Bundesliga. He has a brilliant future in store for him and once he settles down well enough at Stamford Bridge, fans will get to see a refined version of the player.
1. Tim Howard
Tim Howard is the final player on the list and is a legend of the English top flight. He joined Manchester United from New York MetroStars, now known as New York Red Bulls, in 2003. He made 77 appearances for the Red Devils over a course of 3 seasons before signing for Everton in 2006. Initially on loan, Howard made his move permanent to Merseyside in February 2007 and went on to make a total of 413 appearances over a 10 season spell at the club after which he returned to the MLS as he signed up for Colorado Rapids.
Widely regarded as the best American goalkeeper in history, Howard's performances for Everton had earned him a lot of praise across the planet. He consolidated his position as the first choice keeper for the national team and he was part of PFA Premier League team of the year in 2003-04. He also won the FIFA Confederations Cup Golden Glove in 2009.
