Top 10 ... Overseas Stars
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WELCOME to the first in our new series of Top 10s.
Every week weÂ’ll bring you our latest list of the best - and worst - things from the world of sport. To kick things off, weÂ’ve compiled a countdown of the Premier LeagueÂ’s best overseas players.
We know Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard head the homegrown stars that light up the top flight. But just who are the cream of the foreign players who have made the worldÂ’s No1 league their home?
And remember, if you donÂ’t agree with our choice, you can post your own Top 10 below.
No10: Mikel Arteta
The Everton midfielder is one of the unsung heroes of the Premier League. Since signing from Real Sociedad for just £2million in 2005, the Spaniard has become the driving force behind David Moyes’ revitalised Toffees. Arteta has yet to play for his country and Everton fans know he must play be playing Champions League football to achieve that aim.
No9: Robin van Persie
The Dutchman has shone since emerging from the long shadow of Thierry Henry at Arsenal. The striker has starred in the GunnersÂ’ climb to the top of the Premier League table this season and, at just 24, can go on to become one of EuropeÂ’s deadliest finishers. Van Persie is on course to repeat the heroics of another Arsenal and Holland ace, Dennis Bergkamp.
No8: Fernando Torres
The Spanish star has started with a bang at Liverpool since signing for a club record £21.5million. The ex-Atletico Madrid striker won over the Anfield crowd with a superb goal against Chelsea and could finally fill the hole that was never filled after the departure of Michael Owen.
No7: Peter Cech
It’s a miracle that the Chelsea keeper is still playing football, let alone making this list. The Czech Republic star required surgery after fracturing his skull in a collision with Reading forward Stephen Hunt last year. But Cech has bounced back from that setback to confirm his reputation as one of the world’s best keepers – if not the best.
No6: Carlos Tevez
After all the drama surrounding the Argentina aceÂ’s first year in the Premier League, people often forget what an impact he had on the pitch. The striker virtually saved West Ham from relegation on his own despite the protracted row over his controversial arrival at Upton Park. Now at Manchester United, Tevez is now able to demonstrate his immense talent in the Champions League. -
No5: Dimitar Berbatov
Despite an £11million price tag, Berbatov’s arrival last summer barely registered as the World Cup grabbed the headlines. Yet Spurs pulled off one of the coups of the decade as the brilliant Bulgarian lit up White Hart Lane. Power, pace, finishing and intelligence - the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star has it all. Berbatov is arguably the league’s most complete frontman...
No4: Didier Drogba
... but then there is one person at Chelsea. Drogba could possibly be in his last season at Stamford Bridge but Blues fans will never forget his contribution in their title-winning seasons. After initially struggling to adapt, the Ivory Coast ace transformed into one of the most fearsome finishers in the Premier League. And this season, Drogba is again at his sizzling best.
No3: Michael Essien
This list may be dominated by glamour players but occasionally a powerhouse gatecrashes the party. Essien cannot be classed as find after costing £24million from Lyon but he certainly does the dirty work at the Bridge as the stars take the glory. The Ghana midfielder is exactly the type of player you want on your side when the going gets tough.
No2: Cesc Fabregas
Arsene Wenger has nurtured some gems in the past but none of them can beat the talents of this Spanish star. When Patrick Vieira left Arsenal, Fabregas ensured fansÂ’ fears were instantly extinguished with some immense performances. The midfielder is now the rock of a reborn Gunners side - and letÂ’s not forget heÂ’s still only 20.
No1: Cristiano Ronaldo
Love him or hate him, thereÂ’s no denying RonaldoÂ’s talents. The winkerÂ’s future in the Premier League lay in tatters after the 2006 World Cup but the Manchester United ace proved heÂ’s a tough cookie. And 18 months later, he can claim to be one of the worldÂ’s best players after silencing the boo-boys with some truly exceptional displays. -
wow.. torres so fast in the list.. in epl less den 3mths
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Originally posted by lalaTearz:wow.. torres so fast in the list.. in epl less den 3mths
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wow! agreed!
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no defenders and no morty pedersen
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ppl put him here based on his reputation back in spain and a few decent performances till now.I say decent,not even fantastic...
back in spain,he wasn't scoring that a lot then
if ruud van nistelrooy and henry's still around...u can't even see his name there.. -
vidic and carvalho deserve places for their roles