Who are the 11 greatest Premier League players of all-time?
We’ve ranked every player in Premier League history by the number of points their team won per match with them in the starting line-up.
Data correct as of 9 March 2021
The top 11 players with at least 100 Premier League starts can be assembled into a squad:
Ederson
Didier Drogba
Cristiano
Ronaldo
Paul
Scholes
Trent
Alexander-Arnold
David Silva
Claude
Makélélé
Kevin De Bruyne
Paulo Ferreira
Nemanja Vidić
Ricardo Carvalho
Ranking the players by points won per game, showing their club’s record with them in the starting XI:
Pep Guardiola made a rare mis-step when choosing his first Manchester City goalkeeper but he corrected that with a master stroke the following summer. No player with at least 100 Premier League starts has seen his team win more points per game than Ederson. The Brazilian ‘sweeper keeper’ boasts excellent distribution and is comfortable with the ball at his feet, allowing him to function as an 11th outfielder when needed.
1. Ederson
Manchester City Goalkeeper 2017 - present
Starts
W
D
L
136
105
14
17
Points
329
2.42
Points per game
2. Ricardo Carvalho
2.31
After following Jose Mourinho from Porto to Chelsea, Carvalho formed an integral part of the Blues’ formidable defence. Renowned as one of the most intelligent defenders of his era, which compensated for his relatively slight build, he won the Premier League title in his first two seasons in England and helped one of Mourino’s successors - Carlo Ancelotti - to secure a third in his final campaign.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
298
Points per game
129
91
25
13
Chelsea Centre back 2004 - 2010
3. Nemanja Vidić
2.26
Another central defender but in a very different mould, Vidić cut an imposing figure at the heart of Manchester United’s defence. Renowned for his aggressive style and tough tackles, the Serbian won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils and was part of the back line that kept a record 14 consecutive clean sheets in 2009.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
464
Points per game
205
143
35
27
Manchester United Centre back 2006 - 2014
4. Didier Drogba
2.26
Jose Mourinho made plenty of inspired signings after joining Chelsea and Ivorian striker Drogba ranks as one of the best. A powerful and imposing presence up front, he was capable of leading the line by himself at a time when many clubs still fielded two centre-forwards. While possessing a lethal shot, he also created plenty of assists for his team-mates.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
423
Points per game
187
130
33
24
Chelsea Striker 2004 - 2012, 2014 - 2015
5. Claude Makélélé
2.26
Such was his revolutionary impact on the game that the defensive midfield position is still commonly referred to as the “Makélélé role”. Real Madrid allowed him to join Chelsea in 2003 but would regret their decision as the Frenchman dominated the midfield for the Blues. His tireless defensive work and ability to dictate the tempo of the game inspired a generation of midfield “destroyers”.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
298
Points per game
132
90
28
14
Chelsea Defensive midfielder 2003 - 2008
6. Trent Alexander-Arnold
2.25
The youngest player on our list, Alexander-Arnold has already cemented his status as an English great with Premier League and Champions League medals at the age of just 22. A regular starter on the right-hand side of Jürgen Klopp’s defence, his impact is often felt further up the pitch thanks to his intelligent attacking movement, crossing and proficiency from set pieces
Starts
W
D
L
Points
239
Points per game
106
74
17
15
Liverpool Full back 2016 - present
7. David Silva
2.25
One of the most technically-gifted midfielders of his generation, Silva’s creativity was key in transforming Manchester City into a title-winning force. The Spaniard spent a decade at the club, with his attacking versatility and ability to unlock defences under pressure earning him legendary status among its fans. He also enjoyed success at international level, winning 125 caps and lifting the World Cup in 2010.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
633
Points per game
281
198
39
44
Manchester City Central midfielder 2010 - 2020
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
2.24
Signed by Manchester United as a teenager, Ronaldo was given the prestigious number 7 shirt by Sir Alex Ferguson, whose gamble paid off handsomely. Ronaldo’s development from a tricky winger into a complete forward and one of the world’s best players is one of the modern game’s greatest success stories. Unfortunately, Premier League fans were unable to witness him in his prime, as Real Madrid broke the world transfer record to purchase him in 2009.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
351
Points per game
157
107
30
20
Manchester United Wide forward 2003 - 2009
9. Kevin De Bruyne
2.22
The Belgian failed to make an impression at Chelsea and was allowed to leave the club after making just 3 Premier League appearances. The Blues would regret their impatience after De Bruyne shone in the Bundesliga and upon his return to England with Manchester City. Developing into one of the world’s best players and regarded as a “complete midfielder” for his wide range of abilities, his club-record transfer fee has proven to be excellent value.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
347
Points per game
156
106
29
21
Chelsea,
Manchester City
Attacking
midfielder
2012 - 2014,
2015 - present
10. Paulo Ferreira
2.22
Ferreira was another former Porto player that Jose Mourinho brought with him to Chelsea and helped his countryman to deliver consecutive Premier League titles. Despite having been converted from a midfielder to a right-back, his excellent defensive positioning made him a key part of the defence that would concede just 15 goals in the 2004-05 season: a record which stands to this day.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
238
Points per game
107
73
19
15
Chelsea Full back 2004 - 2013
11. Paul Scholes
2.22
The only member of Manchester United’s famous “Class of ‘92” on our list, Scholes’ attacking prowess drew admiration from many of the game’s greats over an illustrious 20-year career. His skill on the ball, movement and passing were combined with an exceptional shooting ability which saw him score over 100 Premier League goals from midfield.
Starts
W
D
L
Points
897
Points per game
404
273
78
53
Manchester United Attacking midfielder 1993 - 2013