Top 20 Best Wingers in Premier League History – Ranked by a Supercomputer

August 22, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Wingers have evolved massively in the Premier League era, transforming from traditional wide men into goal-scoring playmakers and creative threats. According to AI, these are the 20 greatest wingers in Premier League history, ranked from Phil Foden at number 20 to Mohamed Salah at number 1.

20. Phil Foden

Phil Foden’s versatility and technical brilliance make him one of the brightest stars in the modern game. Playing for Manchester City, he often drifts inside from the wing, where his creativity and finishing have been crucial to the club’s dominance. With six Premier League titles and over 60 goals, his potential secures him a place among the greats.

19. Damien Duff

Damien Duff was a vital part of Chelsea’s back-to-back title wins under José Mourinho. Known for his blistering pace, tireless work rate, and ability to deliver in big games, Duff became one of the most reliable wingers of his generation. Across his spells at Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Fulham, his consistency earns him this spot.

18. John Barnes

John Barnes’ peak came before the Premier League, but his talent still shone in the early ’90s at Liverpool. A dazzling dribbler with incredible vision, Barnes terrorized defenders and scored stunning goals. Even though trophies were limited later in his career, his skill and influence on English football make him one of the all-time greats.

17. Harry Kewell

Harry Kewell was one of the most exciting wingers of his era, combining flair, pace, and creativity. At Leeds United, he won the PFA Young Player of the Year and helped them qualify for the Champions League. Though injuries limited his potential during his time at Liverpool, his talent and Champions League success secure his spot on this list.

16. Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben’s time in the Premier League with Chelsea was short but spectacular. Known for his explosive pace and trademark cut-ins onto his left foot, Robben played a key role in the club’s mid-2000s dominance. Injuries limited his appearances, but his ability to decide games makes him one of the league’s most memorable wingers.

15. Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling developed into one of the Premier League’s most consistent wide threats under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Known for his intelligent movement and clinical finishing, Sterling scored over 120 league goals and won four Premier League titles. His peak years at City solidified his place among the elite, even after later spells at Liverpool and Chelsea.

14. Leroy Sané

Leroy Sané brought electric pace and left-footed brilliance to Manchester City’s record-breaking “Centurions” season in 2017/18. With his direct dribbling and ability to stretch defenses, he became a key figure in Guardiola’s attacking machine. Winning two league titles and a PFA Young Player of the Year award, Sané left a lasting mark despite his short stay in England.

13. David Ginola

David Ginola was a master of flair, elegance, and creativity. Playing for Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, and Everton, he became known for his breathtaking dribbling and long-range strikes. Ginola won the PFA Player of the Year in 1999, and while he never lifted the Premier League trophy, his artistry makes him one of the league’s most beloved wingers.

12. Freddie Ljungberg

Freddie Ljungberg played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s golden era, including their historic “Invincibles” season. Renowned for his intelligent runs, big-game goals, and relentless work rate, the Swedish winger scored crucial goals in title-winning campaigns. His consistency and impact on one of the league’s greatest teams secure his place in history.

11. Marc Overmars

Marc Overmars was one of the fastest and most unpredictable wingers of his generation. His pace, two-footed ability, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. Playing for Arsenal, Overmars was vital in their 1997/98 double-winning campaign, and though his stay was brief, his influence on modern wing play cannot be overstated.

10. Son Heung-min

Heung-min Son — IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Son Heung-min has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete forwards since joining Tottenham. With his explosive speed, two-footed finishing, and intelligent link-up play, Son consistently delivers double-digit goals and assists. His record-breaking partnership with Harry Kane and his ability to score in big moments make him a modern-day great.

9. Riyad Mahrez

Riyad Mahrez’s dazzling dribbling and creativity made him the star of Leicester City’s unforgettable 2015/16 title win. Winning the PFA Player of the Year that season, he later joined Manchester City and added four more league titles to his collection. Mahrez’s skill, vision, and big-game impact make him one of the best African players in Premier League history.

8. Robert Pirès

Robert Pirès was the definition of elegance on the wing, combining technical brilliance with a deadly eye for goal. A crucial part of Arsenal’s “Invincibles,” he formed a devastating partnership with Thierry Henry. With two league titles, 62 goals, and countless iconic moments, Pirès remains one of the league’s most admired and influential wingers.

7. Sadio Mané

Sadio Mané was central to Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp, forming a legendary attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. With his blistering pace, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic, Mané scored 120 goals for Liverpool and helped deliver both a Premier League and Champions League title. His explosiveness and consistency make him one of the best in modern history.

6. Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale transformed from a promising left-back at Southampton into one of the league’s deadliest wingers at Tottenham. Blessed with incredible speed, power, and long-range shooting, Bale became unplayable at his peak. Winning two PFA Player of the Year awards before moving to Real Madrid, his legacy in the Premier League is defined by stunning goals and unforgettable performances.

5. David Beckham

Photo: Michael Potts F1 / Shutterstock.com

David Beckham redefined what it meant to be a wide player in English football. Famous for his pinpoint crosses, set-piece mastery, and tireless work rate, Beckham was instrumental in Manchester United’s 1999 treble-winning season. With six league titles and 80 assists, his influence on and off the pitch makes him one of the most iconic wingers in history.

4. Eden Hazard

At his peak, Eden Hazard was untouchable. The Belgian winger combined explosive dribbling, incredible balance, and game-changing creativity to inspire Chelsea to two Premier League titles. Hazard could decide matches single-handedly and was twice named Premier League Player of the Season. His artistry and dominance earn him a top-five spot on this list.

3. Ryan Giggs

Ryan Giggs is the most decorated player in Premier League history, winning an incredible 13 league titles with Manchester United. Starting as a lightning-fast winger before evolving into a creative playmaker, Giggs’ adaptability and longevity set him apart. With iconic goals and over 160 assists, his consistency across two decades makes him a true legend of the game.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived as a flashy teenager at Manchester United but left as one of the most complete players the Premier League has ever seen. His evolution from a skillful winger into a goal-scoring phenomenon peaked in the 2007/08 season with 31 league goals and a Ballon d’Or. With three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy, Ronaldo’s impact remains unmatched by most.

1. Mohamed Salah

Mohamed Salah takes the crown as the Premier League’s greatest winger. Since joining Liverpool in 2017, he has rewritten the record books, scoring 187 goals and winning three Golden Boots. A key figure in Liverpool’s 2019 Champions League triumph and 2020 Premier League title, Salah’s consistency, finishing, and influence on the game make him the ultimate modern winger.