The Premier League has seen a plethora of players who have left an indelible mark on the league, captivating fans with their unique skills, memorable moments, and charismatic personalities. These players, often referred to as the “streets won’t forget” players, are celebrated not just for their statistics but for the joy and excitement they brought to the game. This article will explore the 40 best-ever ‘streets won’t forget’ players in Premier League history, highlighting their contributions and the unforgettable moments that have etched their names into the hearts of fans.
1. Rory Delap
Rory Delap is best known for his extraordinary long throw-ins, which often resembled corner kicks. His unique ability to launch the ball into the box created countless scoring opportunities for his teammates, making him a cult hero at Stoke City. Delap’s throws were a tactical weapon that left defenders scrambling, and his contributions to the game will always be remembered.
2. Eidur Gudjohnsen
Eidur Gudjohnsen was a versatile forward who played a crucial role in Chelsea’s rise to prominence in the early 2000s. His technical ability, vision, and knack for scoring important goals made him a fan favorite. Gudjohnsen’s partnership with strikers like Didier Drogba helped solidify Chelsea’s attacking prowess during their title-winning campaigns.
3. Alvaro Negredo
Alvaro Negredo had a brief but impactful stint in the Premier League with Manchester City. His powerful presence, combined with his goal-scoring ability, made him a key player during City’s title-winning season in 2013-14. Negredo’s memorable goals and contributions to the team’s success have earned him a place in the hearts of fans.
4. Juninho
Juninho’s time at Middlesbrough was marked by his flair and creativity. The Brazilian midfielder was known for his exceptional free-kick ability and dribbling skills. His influence on the pitch helped Middlesbrough secure their first major trophy, the League Cup, in 2004, and his legacy as a fan favorite endures.
5. Nani
Nani was a key figure in Manchester United’s success during the late 2000s and early 2010s. His skillful dribbling, pace, and ability to score spectacular goals made him a constant threat on the wing. Nani’s contributions to United’s title-winning campaigns and his memorable moments, including a stunning goal against Arsenal, have solidified his status as a ‘streets won’t forget’ player.
6. Pajtim Kasami
Pajtim Kasami’s stunning goal for Fulham against Crystal Palace in 2013 is one of the most memorable moments in Premier League history. His audacious volley from outside the box showcased his talent and creativity. While his overall career in the league may not have been as illustrious as others, that goal alone ensures he will be remembered fondly.
7. Papa Bouba Diop
Papa Bouba Diop, known for his imposing physical presence, was a fan favorite during his time at Fulham and Portsmouth. His memorable goal in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup against France made him a household name, and his contributions in the Premier League, particularly with Fulham, have left a lasting impression.
8. Bafetimbi Gomis
Bafetimbi Gomis had a memorable spell at Swansea City, where he became known for his goal-scoring ability and unique goal celebration, which involved a dramatic “swan” gesture. Gomis’s contributions to Swansea’s attacking play and his memorable moments on the pitch have made him a beloved figure among fans.
9. Yakubu
Yakubu was a prolific striker who made a significant impact in the Premier League with clubs like Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Everton. His powerful shots and knack for finding the back of the net made him a fan favorite. Yakubu’s memorable goals and consistent performances have earned him a place among the league’s memorable players.
10. Allan Saint-Maximin
Allan Saint-Maximin is a modern-day entertainer in the Premier League, known for his dazzling dribbling skills and flair on the ball. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities for his teammates has made him a standout player for Newcastle United. Saint-Maximin’s exciting style of play ensures that he will be remembered fondly by fans.
11. Andrey Arshavin
Andrey Arshavin’s time at Arsenal was marked by moments of brilliance, including a stunning four-goal performance against Liverpool in 2009. His creativity, vision, and technical ability made him a fan favorite, and his contributions to Arsenal’s attacking play during his tenure have left a lasting legacy.
12. Demba Ba
Demba Ba was a key figure for both Newcastle United and Chelsea, known for his goal-scoring prowess and ability to perform in crucial moments. His memorable goals, including a stunning strike against Manchester United, have etched his name into Premier League folklore. Ba’s impact on the league and his charismatic personality make him a player the streets won’t forget.
13. Michu
Michu’s remarkable debut season with Swansea City in 2012-13 saw him score 18 goals, making him one of the league’s standout players. His ability to find the back of the net and his unique playing style endeared him to fans. Michu’s contributions to Swansea’s success, including their League Cup victory, have solidified his status as a ‘streets won’t forget’ player.
14. Morten Gamst Pedersen
Morten Gamst Pedersen was a key player for Blackburn Rovers, known for his exceptional crossing ability and set-piece prowess. His contributions to the team’s attacking play and memorable moments, including stunning goals from distance, have made him a beloved figure among fans. Pedersen’s legacy at Blackburn ensures he will not be forgotten.
15. Jay-Jay Okocha
Jay-Jay Okocha was a magician on the ball during his time at Bolton Wanderers. His flair, creativity, and ability to entertain fans with his skillful dribbling made him a standout player. Okocha’s memorable moments, including stunning goals and assists, have left an indelible mark on the Premier League.
16. Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov’s elegance and technical ability made him one of the most stylish players in Premier League history. His time at Manchester United was marked by memorable goals and assists, including a stunning overhead kick against Manchester City. Berbatov’s unique playing style and contributions to United’s success have ensured he will be remembered fondly.
17. Niko Kranjčar
Niko Kranjčar’s time in the Premier League saw him showcase his creativity and technical skills, particularly during his spells at Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspur. His ability to score important goals and provide assists made him a valuable asset for his teams. Kranjčar’s contributions to the league have earned him a place among the memorable players.
18. Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor’s time in the Premier League was marked by his goal-scoring ability and memorable moments, including a stunning goal against Arsenal while playing for Manchester City. His charismatic personality and ability to perform in crucial matches have made him a player the streets won’t forget.
19. Yaya Touré
Yaya Touré was a dominant force in the Premier League during his time at Manchester City. His powerful runs, exceptional passing, and ability to score crucial goals made him a key player in City’s rise to prominence. Touré’s contributions to the team’s success and his memorable moments on the pitch have solidified his status as a Premier League legend.
20. David Silva
David Silva’s creativity and vision made him one of the most influential players in Premier League history. His time at Manchester City was marked by countless assists and memorable performances, helping the club secure multiple titles. Silva’s ability to dictate play and create scoring opportunities for his teammates ensures he will be remembered as a ‘streets won’t forget’ player.
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