Top 10 overseas stars
-
No1: Cristiano Ronaldo
Love him or hate him, there’s no denying Ronaldo’s talents. The winker’s future in the Premier League lay in tatters after the 2006 World Cup but the Manchester United ace proved he’s a tough cookie. And 18 months later, he can claim to be one of the world’s best players after silencing the boo-boys with some truly exceptional displays.
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 fans’ fears were instantly extinguished with some immense performances. The midfielder is now the rock of a reborn Gunners side - and let’s not forget he’s still only 20.
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.
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.
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...
No6: Carlos Tevez
After all the drama surrounding the Argentina ace’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.
No7: Petr 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.
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.
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 Gunners’ climb to the top of the Premier League table this season and, at just 24, can go on to become one of Europe’s deadliest finishers. Van Persie is on course to repeat the heroics of another Arsenal and Holland ace, Dennis Bergkamp.
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.
-
HOW MANY TOP 10 ARTICLES U STILL GOT???????????????????
-
and one more
Fandi Ahmad