David Beckham, Theirry Henry, Rio Ferdinand

The Greatest Premier League XI of All Time

February 24, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The Premier League has seen some of the greatest footballers ever grace its pitches. Selecting the best XI is a nearly impossible task, but based on individual brilliance, impact, and longevity, this is our ultimate Premier League lineup in a traditional 4-4-2 formation.

Manager – Sir Alex Ferguson

The most decorated manager in Premier League history, Sir Alex Ferguson won 13 league titles and built multiple dominant teams at Manchester United. His tactical adaptability and ability to evolve over different eras make him the obvious choice to lead this side. No one managed a dressing room or motivated players better than Ferguson.

Goalkeeper – Petr Čech

With 202 clean sheets, Čech holds the record for the most in Premier League history. He was a vital part of Chelsea’s dominance in the 2000s and early 2010s, commanding his box with authority. His consistency, shot-stopping ability, and leadership make him the standout choice between the posts.

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Right Back – Gary Neville

A one-club man and the ultimate professional, Neville was the backbone of Manchester United’s defense for nearly two decades. He wasn’t the flashiest full-back but was incredibly reliable, intelligent, and a natural leader. With eight Premier League titles, he is the most decorated right-back in league history.

Center Back – Rio Ferdinand

Ferdinand redefined the center-back role with his elegance on the ball and defensive intelligence. He combined strength, speed, and composure, making him one of the most complete defenders in Premier League history. Winning six league titles, he was a crucial part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s success.

Center Back – John Terry

The ultimate defensive leader, Terry was the backbone of Chelsea’s golden era under Jose Mourinho. He was dominant in aerial duels, an exceptional tackler, and a natural leader who captained his team to five league titles. His longevity and influence on the game make him one of the best center-backs ever.

Left Back – Ashley Cole

Arguably the greatest left-back in Premier League history, Cole was defensively outstanding and equally effective going forward. He won three league titles, including as part of Arsenal’s Invincibles. His performances against world-class wingers proved his defensive brilliance time and again.

Right Midfield – David Beckham

Beckham was a generational talent with unmatched crossing and set-piece ability. He played a key role in Manchester United’s dominance, winning six Premier League titles before leaving for Real Madrid. His pinpoint deliveries and work ethic made him a perfect wide player in a classic 4-4-2 system.

Central Midfield – Patrick Vieira

A midfield powerhouse, Vieira was the heart of Arsenal’s legendary Invincibles squad. His ability to dominate games with his physicality, technical skill, and leadership made him one of the league’s most complete midfielders. He was instrumental in Arsenal’s three Premier League titles under Arsène Wenger.

Central Midfield – Paul Scholes

Scholes was a maestro in midfield, dictating the tempo of games with his passing and vision. A 11-time Premier League champion, his intelligence, long-range shooting, and ability to find space made him irreplaceable for Manchester United. His ability to adapt from an attacking midfielder to a deep-lying playmaker solidified his legendary status.

Left Midfield – Ryan Giggs

The most decorated player in Premier League history, Giggs played in 22 consecutive seasons and won 13 league titles with Manchester United. He evolved from a pacy winger into a more technical playmaker in his later years. His dribbling, creativity, and ability to deliver in crucial moments set him apart.

Striker – Thierry Henry

Henry was the ultimate forward in Premier League history, combining blistering pace, technical brilliance, and clinical finishing. He won the Golden Boot four times and led Arsenal’s attack during their most successful years, including the Invincibles season. His ability to create and score goals made him a once-in-a-generation player.

Striker – Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer with his wife — Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

The Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals, Shearer was the definition of a pure number nine. He won the league with Blackburn in 1995 and remained a consistent goal machine throughout his career with Newcastle. His aerial ability, powerful shot, and leadership made him the most dominant striker of his era.

Subsitutes

Even the greatest starting XI needs depth, and these six substitutes bring world-class quality across every position. Whether it’s defensive stability, midfield dominance, or attacking firepower, these players could step in and maintain the highest level of performance.

Goalkeeper – Peter Schmeichel

Schmeichel was a dominant presence in goal and played a crucial role in Manchester United’s success in the 1990s. He was a commanding shot-stopper with an unrivaled ability to organize his defense. Winning five league titles, he remains one of the best goalkeepers in Premier League history.

Defender – Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defense and was the key to their resurgence under Jürgen Klopp. His composure on the ball, physical dominance, and leadership helped Liverpool win the Premier League in 2020. At his peak, he was nearly unbeatable in one-on-one situations.

Midfielder – Steven Gerrard

Gerrard was the heartbeat of Liverpool for nearly two decades, combining leadership, work ethic, and an incredible ability to deliver in clutch moments. A complete midfielder, he could defend, dictate play, and score spectacular long-range goals. Despite never winning the league, his individual brilliance earned him a legendary status.

Midfielder – Frank Lampard

Lampard was the ultimate goal-scoring midfielder, netting 177 goals in the Premier League – the most ever by a midfielder. He was a driving force in Chelsea’s success, winning three league titles, and his late runs into the box made him a nightmare for defenders. His intelligence and finishing ability set him apart.

Striker – Wayne Rooney

Rooney is Manchester United’s all-time top scorer and one of the most versatile attackers in Premier League history. He combined technical skill, physicality, and an incredible work rate, winning five league titles. Whether as a forward, attacking midfielder, or even deeper, he was always a game-changer.

Striker – Sergio Agüero

Agüero is Manchester City’s all-time top scorer and the man behind one the most iconic goal in Premier League history. He won five league titles and was one of the most clinical strikers ever seen in England. His movement, finishing, and ability to perform in big moments made him an unstoppable force.