Barclays Premier League: The Best 5 Foreign Players Ever

The English Premier League was formed in the 1992/1993 season and ever since has provided us with nonstop entertainment during the football season. The premiership has now proved it is possibly the most attractive league in the world for any player and everyone wants a piece of the action. During the years the premier league has played host to some of the most gifted and truly brilliant foreign players in the world, and below I have decided to compile a list the best ever foreign players in the premier league. The list is in no particular order we can discuss that later, Maybe you disagree and think some other names should be added, just let me know. Enjoy!

The Frenchman was a Leeds player until he signed with Manchester United to take the famous number 7 shirt. Cantonas competetive debut for Man Utd came in December 1992 when they played Man City at Old Trafford, Man Utd won the game 2 - 1 Cantona did not make much of an imapct on the day. From there Cantona went on to play for Man Utd for 5 seasons helping them on their way to four league titles. Cantona is a legend at Man Utd who will never be forgotton by football fans around the world, he was elegant and classey with every bit of attitude a gritty midfielder required. I saw him play live at Wembely (the old one), I went down to see Newcastle United get stuffed 4 - 0 by Man Utd in the Community Shield, Cantona scored one its the only goal I can remember. Another thing we would all remember about Cantona is the game against Crystal Palace when an opposition fan upset him causing him to Fly Kick the fan, one of the craziest footballing moments I have ever seen.

Zola was signed by Chelsea in 1996 for 4.5 millon by Ruud Gullit and played in a London derby against Tottenham on his debut. Zola imperessed very quickly and put in a series of notable performances during his first season. His Chelsea record reads 229 appearences and just 59 goals surprisingly, not great reading for a centre forward. Zola was not only famous for his goal scoaring prowess he was like a magician with the ball at his feet and in one game against Wimbledon he back heeled the ball turing 180 degrees to get on the end of it himself and slotting it home. Zola is now in management but has not had any great sucess yet.

Vieira was signed by Arsenal in 1996 for 3.5 million from Inter Milan, bit of a bargain. Vieira is a player who never looks rushed whenever he receives the ball he is in acres of space, his composure on the ball and his superior passaing abilities made him the first name on the Arsenal team sheet every week. Vieira controlled the game from his central midfield position his strength and stamina out shone all the others around him, he would probably be regarded as one of the best ever centeral midfieldrs. Vieira service for Arsenal was immense and he continues to play Premier League football for Manchester City.

Genius, that is the only word required to describe Bergkamp, but I suppose as this is a hub we will be a bit more informative. Bergkamp was signed in 1995 from Inter Milan having had two unhappy season at the club, he did not set the world alight straight away and it took him a while to adapt to the English game, when he did though. Bergkamps form hit all time highs when Arsene Wenger took over in 1996 and the following season Arsenal won the double. Berkamp was named player of the year in 1997, and is the first and only player to win first, second and third in Match Of The Days goal of the month competition.

Why, because he's werth it! sorry terrible pun. In 1995 sexy futbol was introduced to St James Park when Newcastle signed Ginola from Paris-Saint Germain. That season Ginola was a star man in a team that finished second in the Premier League. I watched him play live a few times, he was fantastic usually picking the ball up at the half way line then running at defenders twisting and turning them before finally cutting it to shoot or getting to the bye line to deliver a great cross into the box. Ginola left Newcastle eventually and went on to play for Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton.

So there you have my five best, maybe you dont agree. I really was struggling with Ginola not because he was not great but I could not decide over Paulo Di Canio or him, I suppose being a Newcastle fan swayed it. Thanks for dropping by.