GK: Petr Cech
Fans of a certain vintage may prefer Peter Schmeichel, but Petr Čech was the definitive keeper of the 00s and early 10s. Having joined Chelsea in 2004, the young Czech keeper set the league record of 24 clean sheets in a season – a record that will likely stand for a long time to come (especially as he only played 35 games).
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
A controversial choice, but no player redefined the position as much as Alexander-Arnold. While not the strongest defensively, Trent’s creativity and passing arsenal was an instrumental part of Klopp’s successful Liverpool team. By the time he left the league to join Real Madrid, Alexander-Arnold had contributed 18 league goals and 67 assists.
RCB: Rio Ferdinand
He might not be the best presenter for a World Cup draw, but what a centre-back Rio Ferdinand was in his prime. He was quick, powerful and had an elite understanding of the game. Ferdinand was trusted by Sir Alex Ferguson for over a decade, winning six Premier League titles in that time.
LCB: Virgil Van Dijk
The Rolls-Royce of defenders, Van Dijk makes it look easy. A similar playstyle to Ferdinand, the Dutchman never looks threatened; whether up against a pacey striker or a big physical presence. Currently has two Premier League titles and was recognised as the league’s Player of the Year in 2018/19.
LB: Ashley Cole
Ask any right winger of the 2000s who the hardest full-back to face was, and they’ll all say Ashley Cole. Having emerged through the Arsenal academy, he was an instrumental part of the Invincibles before joining Chelsea in 2006 and continuing to dominate the league. Offensively, he was limited compared to some of the more modern contemporaries, but defensively no one else comes close.
RCM: Frank Lampard
No one in world football can time a midfield run into the box quite as well as Frank Lampard did. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, often making it look easy with a caressed finish. Having broken through at West Ham, Lampard went on to win three Premier League titles with Chelsea before a short stint in the MLS and with Manchester City.
CM: Steven Gerrard
The midfielder who had everything. Steven Gerrard was Liverpool’s heartbeat for nearly two decades. Throughout his career, he was deployed everywhere through the middle, from an attacking midfielder linking up with Fernando Torres through to a defensive midfielder later in his career under Brendan Rodgers.
LCM: Kevin De Bruyne
One of the most naturally gifted midfielders of all time. Kevin De Bruyne could thread the ball through the eye of the needle, and could see passing opportunities before anyone else in the stadium. A majestic sight to watch, sadly missed in the league now he’s moved on to Napoli.
RW: Mohamed Salah
Salah’s public spat with Arne Slot is threatening to tarnish his reputation with Liverpool fans, but no one can deny his presence among the all-time XI. 190 goals and 91 assists in 315 Premier League appearances from the right wing. What is most impressive is Salah’s longevity and consistency; since joining Liverpool in 2017 the Egyptian King has scored at least 18 league goals a season, although his debut 32 league goal return remains the pinnacle.
ST: Thierry Henry
The league’s greatest ever player? Hard to argue against it. Thierry Henry was an elegant but ruthless forward, combining electric pace with an exquisite touch and clinical finishing from any angle. Twice won the Premier League, as well as finishing as the league top scorer four times. It wasn’t just about goals for Henry; his 20 assists in 2002/03 remains a record that has only once been matched (by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20).
LW: Cristiano Ronaldo
When Ronaldo joined the league as a teenager, he was a tricky winger who would beat his man with an eclectic array of tricks and flicks. He evolved into more of a direct goal-scoring winger – scoring 31 in 34 league games in 2007/08. By the time he left for Madrid in 2009, Ronaldo was alone with Lionel Messi as the two best players in the world, a debate that still rumbles on today.
