VIDEO: Top TEN Premier League ‘mavericks’
Flair, defined by one as ‘a special or instinctive aptitude or ability for doing something well’ or as ‘a sophistication or elegance in style, bearing, or manner’. Combine the two and you go some way to describing the talents of the uniquely gifted ten players who appear on the list below. Enjoy.
10. Juninho, Middlesbrough (1995-97, 99-00, 02-04)
Fleet-footed Brazilian midfielder Juninho had three separate spells on Teeside with Middlesbrough and was voted their greatest ever player in December 2007. Juninho inspired Boro to the FA & League Cup final in 1997 before returning to win the latter in 2004.
Nicknamed ‘The Little Fella’ due to his 5’ 5’’ frame, the former Brazilian Player of The Year mesmerised defenders with his dazzling runs, quick feet and astounding playmaking abilities. As one of the most technically gifted players ever to grace the Premier League, Juninho is fondly remembered by fans up and down the country.
9. Jurgen Klinsmann, Tottenham Hotspur (1994-95 & 1997-98)
With a reputation as a ‘cheat’ and a ‘diver’, German international Jurgen Klinsmann had his work cut out to change the British public’s perception of him when he first arrived in England in 1994. However 50 appearances and 29 goals in his first full season later and the striker had become a legend in the eyes of the Tottenham Hotspur faithful.
Klinsmann was a genius with the football at his feet, while his anticipation, technique and aerial ability meant he scored some truly stupendous goals for Spurs. Klinsmann, or course, returned to North London for a second spell in 1997 where his four goals in the penultimate game of the season against Wimbledon ensured Spurs avoided relegation. Watch his debut goal away at Sheffield Wednesday and his memorable celebration below-
8. Paolo Di Canio, West Ham (1999-03)
Despite spells at Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton, Italian Paolo Di Canio is best recognised for his four-year spell at West Ham from 1999. Di Canio was a magical footballer who endeared himself to Hammers fans with his outrageous skill and passion for the club.
Despite the controversy which has followed him throughout his career, Di Canio is still considered one of the greatest foreign players to have ever graced the Premier League. He is widely remembered for a special goal against Wimbledon in 2000, one which is still considered one of the best strikes ever seen in Premier League history. Enjoy it below-
7. David Ginola, Newcastle 1995-97 & Tottenham (1997-00)
French international David Ginola oozed style, charisma and class on and off the pitch, impressing at both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur during the late-90s.
Ginola is remembered for his magical velcro-like first touch and mesmerising dribbling skills, abilities which won him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year while playing for Spurs in 1999. The next season Ginola scored one of his best-ever goals against Barnsley, weaving between four players before dispatching a clinical shot goalwards. A goal which perfectly demonstrates all the attributes which made the floppy-haired Frenchman such a hit at White Hart Lane.
6. Matt Le Tissier, Southampton (1986-02)
Described as the greatest talent ever to be wasted by England, Matt Le Tissier scored 211 goals for Southampton during an astonishing 17 years at The Dell.
Nicknamed ‘Le God’ by Saints fans, the attacking midfielder had supreme technical abilities unmatched by most in the top-flight. As the first midfielder to score 100 goals in the Premier League, Le Tissier had natural flair and ability in abundance. Le Tissier was a one-club man and a true maverick of the game. Watch his top ten goals below-
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Nobody on this list had an impact like Cantona so to have him at 4 is laughable
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What a list! Imagine having all these in your starting eleven!
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Cantona may have been good but Bergkamp, Henry and Zola were consistently excellent over a prolonged period of time.
Cantona 5 years at United (banned for 4 months)
Bergkamp-11 years at Arsenal
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Agree totally
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Arjen Robben should probably get a mention.
Plus, don’t forget that Gazza was at Boro & Everton in the Premiership – probably a bit past his best, but still.
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Cheers for the comments. I was considering Gazza but, as you say Scottoffee, by the time he had returned to England with Boro in the Premier League era he was only half the player he once was.
Jay-Jay Okocha anyone!?
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Unlike Henry, Zola and Bergkamp, King Eric brought instant success to United and quit at the very top after delivering his 4th title in 5 years.
He also delivered 2 doubles and won a PFA award. United’s dominance was started by Eric, he achieved more than anyone else on this list and his legacy is still felt.
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ERIC CANTONA – the most overated player of all time who scored the most overated goal of all time
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Henry- two league titles, two FA Cups, top scorer as Arsenal went through the season unbeaten. 226 goals, three FWA and two PFA awards. Also voted the most popular player in Premier League history.
Should we commend Cantona for retiring early?
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What about robie fowler.your list is good but don’t forget alan shearer.
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