How Many English Premier League Players Can You Name?
- by D_Lamoureux
- – on
- in Sports
While it might not have the best teams in the world, or even the best players in the world, the English Premier League is by all accounts the most popular soccer league worldwide. Because it’s the most popular, it also generates more money than any other league, and teams in this spend more money on player transfers than any other league. Just this past summer, teams spent a record £1.4billion ($1.83billion US) on transfers. Because the EPL has revenue sharing, it's not just one or two clubs with all the money, they all have the ability to spend. This makes the Prem one of the most balanced and exciting leagues from top to bottom.
Because of the money, fame, and prestige of being one of the toughest leagues to win in, the EPL has attracted many of the world’s best players. Some players of the past that made their name in England’s top tier of football include: Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer, Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, and Ryan Giggs, among many others.
In honour of fairness, in this quiz there is at least one player from each team currently in the Premier League. How many can you name?
Which EPL player is this?
This Premier League striker began his career as a 16 year-old at Everton, although he was quickly swept up by one of England’s top clubs, Manchester United. In Manchester, this player won nearly every trophy he ever played for, and is one of only two English players to win the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, League Cup, UEFA Europa League and FIFA Club World Cup. After getting pushed out of the Reds' lineup, he moved back to his youth club Everton in 2017.
Which EPL player is this?
This current West Brom player has recently become the most capped Premier League player of all time, meaning he’s played more games than anyone else. He played his 633rd EPL game on September 25, 2017, surpassing the mark set by Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs. It might be a surprise that this player is not what you would consider a superstar. He played 365 games with Aston Villa, 132 with Manchester City (where he won the League Title in 2012), and 131 for Everton while scoring just 52 goals in that time.
Which EPL player is this?
This Belgian midfielder came through Chelsea’s youth system, although he was never quite able to crack their starting XI. After a successful loan to Werder Bremen, he was sold to another German club, Wolfsburg. He made his return to England with Manchester City, where he began dominating almost instantly. He has 25 goals and 36 assists in his first 100 games with City, and also has the best assist-to-game ratio of any player in PL history (over 50 games played). Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, “Ginger Pele” could blossom into one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Which EPL player is this?
In the days before his Premier League career, this winger/forward was having trouble becoming a consistent starter with Barcelona. When Barca signed Luis Suarez from Liverpool, he had to make his move. Arsenal is really glad he did. He’s had no problem getting into the Gunners’ lineup, and has not only been one of their best players, but one of the league’s best. He’s scored 25+ goals in all competitions in two of three seasons with the London club, although due to the uncertainty of the manager’s, and the owner’s future, he may soon be on his way out.
Which EPL player is this?
This Man City striker is one of the most prolific scorers in EPL history. He scores one goal every 106 minutes he plays in the Premier League, which is the best ratio of all time. In total he sits just outside the top ten with 128 goals in England’s top division. As for City, he will more than likely become the team’s all-time top goal scorer by the end of 2017. He’s become good friends with Lionel Messi, as the two have been rooming together with Argentina’s National team since 2005.
Which EPL player is this?
This player often flies under the radar, much like the team he plays for. The Spurs midfielder has been one of the better chance-creators of the past few years, although the team has little hardware to show for it. He’s also got very little to boast about with his national team, Denmark, as they failed to get out of the group stage of both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 UEFA European Championship, and haven’t qualified for either tournament since.
Which EPL player is this?
While a handful of goalkeepers can rightfully object to this statement, this one could be the best in the entire world right now. He was extremely close to leaving his current club for Real Madrid in 2015, but the teams left the deal to the very last minute, and an error with the fax machines resulted in the paperwork not being cleared by the deadline. That freak accident has been a blessing not so in disguise for Manchester United. It would certainly be a challenge to replace a keeper of his caliber, especially at the age he’s at.
Which EPL player is this?
This beady-eyed German midfielder is hard to figure out. He’s without a doubt one of the most talented players in the league, yet appears as if he lacks the necessary focus at times. This is one of the downsides to making everything you do look easy, people expect greatness every touch. Although he may seem like he’s not giving his best effort, he frequently covers more distance over the course of a game than most players. He must be doing something right, as he was a big part of Germany’s World Cup win in 2014.
Which EPL player is this?
Just a short time ago, this player was banging goals with an electronic house arrest ankle bracelet on in the lower non-league tiers of English football. Fast-forward roughly eight years, and he’s made appearances for the English national team, and won the Premier League title. Both seemed near impossible, but his blazing speed, relentlessness, toughness, and nose for the goal has made him a popular player for the Leicester City Foxes. It’ll likely be a long while before we see another star rise from such improbable circumstances.
Which EPL player is this?
This ‘Sideshow Bob’ look alike has never been a sideshow on any team he’s played for. The rugged Brazilian defender has proved his worth in the EPL in two different stints. The first was from 2011-2014, where he alternated between playing as a defender and a midfielder. During that time he scored on a penalty in Chelsea’s shootout win over Barcelona in the Champions League Final. He wouldn’t win the Premier League until his second stint with the team in 2016-17. He spent the time in between at PSG, where he won the French triple in both seasons.
Which EPL player is this?
To say that this player has had an astronomical rise in the Premier League would still be an understatement. His FIFA rating has reversed from a 68 to an 86 in just four editions of the game. Left foot, right foot, or his head - it doesn’t seem to matter for the “Hurricane.” The striker has led the EPL in goals in both the 2015-16, and 2016-17 seasons, and barring an injury, he’ll be high up on the leaderboard again in 2017-18. The next step, is performing on Europe’s biggest stage: the Champions League.
Which EPL player is this?
Unlike the many players over the past 20 years that have moved from Manchester United to Everton (9 to be exact), this player’s performances have seen him go the other way. The big Belgian forward bagged goals at around a 0.5 per game pace with the Merseyside club before being asked to fill the shoes of the legend himself, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. While Zlatan will return later in the season, this player is making a case to keep his starting spot up front.
Which EPL player is this?
This Swiss player joined the top academy in Switzerland, FC Basel, when he was ten years old. He’d stay there until he caught the eye of German footballing giants Bayern Munich in 2012. In three and a half seasons, he’d made just 52 appearances and decided to move on. He had similar problems finding his way into the starting lineup at Inter Milan, so again he moved on. He chose Stoke City as his destination in England. It was ideal for him because they had enough money to pay him well, and he’d play every game as their biggest attacking threat.
Which EPL player is this?
This Brazilian attacking midfielder/winger has been brilliant for Liverpool the past few seasons, which has raised the eye of one of his favourite clubs growing up: Barcelona. While the two couldn't come to an agreement in the summer of 2017, according to Lionel Messi, a transfer may not be too far away. He's been particularly dangerous as both a playmaker with his dribbling skills, and with his deadly shot from outside the box. His personal accolades include being named to the Premier League Team of the Year in 2015, and Liverpool Player of the Year in both 2015 and 2016.
Which EPL player is this?
This player is a great example of the job Southampton has done with their scouting and development. He was signed from Red Bull Salzburg for £11.8 million, and sold to Liverpool less than two years later for £34 million. His move to Liverpool, and his performances since have made him a household name in England. 16 goals in 32 games is more than just good for a winger. There are may pundits that currently believe he is the best, and most important player on the Merseyside club.
Which EPL player is this?
I could describe this Watford player for you, but after their 2-1 win over Arsenal, he did a pretty good job himself: “I’m the equaliser, I’m not as great on the eye, I’m not a great football player… in terms of quality. But I’m physical, I’m ugly, I’m rough and I do all the stuff they don’t like. So as soon as I come on that’s the first thing I want to do. I want to see who wants it out of their back three, who’s up for the challenge? And I found out today that none of them were.”
Which EPL player is this?
This player was one of the great value buys in Prem history. He moved from Shrewsbury Town to Manchester City at the age of 19 for £600,000, although it's been reported the fee was as low as £100,000. After a season on loan, he claimed his spot as City’s first choice goalkeeper in 2007. Here he made his greatest impact, playing in 348 contests, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. When Pep Guardiola came to the team, he opted to ship this keeper out on loan to Torino, then to West Ham in 2017.
Which EPL player is this?
This player grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico and played for Chivas from age 9 to 22. His next stop was Manchester United, where at times he looked really good, and at others looked a little out of place. Not having success week in week out seemed to affect his confidence, and he ended up being somewhat of a scapegoat during the post-Ferguson era. He was loaned to Real Madrid, then sold to Leverkusen. After scoring nearly as many goals in those three seasons as he did in six with United, he returned to the PL with West Ham United.
Which EPL player is this?
This player came up through the legendary La Masia youth academy at Barcelona, but was sold to Arsenal before he made an appearance. His career at Arsenal was very illustrious, as he became one of the more creative, technically gifted midfielders the EPL has ever seen. He was named Arsenal POY many times, and was their captain for years. He'd eventually get to play for Barcelona for three seasons between 2011-2014, before returning to England, this time with Chelsea. He’s been influential at the international level as well, winning two Euro Cups and a World Cup with Spain.
Which EPL player is this?
This French defender has been a mainstay at Arsenal, manning the back line for the Gunners since 2010. He has been vice-captain of his team for the past two seasons, although those, like many of his others, have been cut short due to injuries. This player has made nearly 50 appearances for the French national team, scoring just one goal. He was part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup team, as well as the 2016 Euro Cup squad that made the final.
Which EPL player is this?
This player has quietly been one of the better midfielders of the past decade. He’s made over 100 appearances for Spain, and over 300 appearances with Manchester City. He’s won the Premier League (twice), FA Cup, English League Cup (twice), FIFA World Cup, and the UEFA European Championship (twice). His control over the ball is so good he earned the nickname “Merlin” because only a wizard could do the things he does. If it weren’t for some of the best midfielders of all-time playing in his era (Xavi, Iniesta to name a couple), he would be a much bigger name.
Which EPL player is this?
A popular thing for World Class players to do near the end of their career is to go to a foreign league (China, MLS) and make money bagging goals with considerably less effort than they’d have to give in Europe. This player tried that, but only stayed in Toronto for one season of his four year contract. The former West Ham, Tottenham, and Portsmouth striker returned to the EPL with Sunderland, and moved to Bournemouth when the Black Cats were relegated. He is one of two current players who are in the top ten for Premier League goals scored.
Which EPL player is this?
This player's footballing career has been very up and down. He first made the Premier League in just his second season with Reading at the age of 19, but only scored 5 top flight goals in 50 games. He stayed with Reading through their relegation, returning to the Prem with West Brom in 2011, then moving to Hull City for their top flight stay in 2013, then has been with Southampton since 2014. Despite moving to better and better teams, his best scoring record is with his National team, Republic of Ireland, where he has 17 goals in 71 games.
Which EPL player is this?
This Disco Stu lookalike has been the butt of the joke many times, but seems to get the last laugh just as frequently. He signed for Manchester United from Everton for nearly 30 million pounds, and has been considered a bust by many for his lack of touch, and lack of focus. Still, he has been seen as valuable by every manager that’s come through Old Trafford. His height and ball-winning ability makes him useful as a defensive midfielder, and even as a striker in desperate situations. The Belgian could also find himself on his nation’s World Cup roster come 2018.
Which EPL player is this?
Arguably the most famous player currently on Swansea City has been there less than a year. This dreadlocked Portuguese international came to the Welsh team on loan from German powerhouse club Bayern Munich in the summer of 2017. He previously shone for Benfica, but was buried in the depth of Bayern’s midfield behind players like Thiago Alcantara, Xabi Alonso, and Arturo Vidal. He’s hoping that the lack of talent at Swansea can get him back to being one of the more promising youth players in football.
Which EPL player is this?
When this striker is on his game, it’s nearly impossible to win. At 6’4”, he has the strength and ability to win every aerial duel he’s involved in, hold up play for his team to get up the pitch, and finish in style in the box. Unfortunately, injuries and bad luck have really derailed his career. He’s only played over 20 games in a PL season since he broke into the league in 2006 with Liverpool. Now at West Ham United, there’s a chance he loses his regular starting role again.
Which EPL player is this?
This is one of the tallest men to ever play in the Premier League. But that’s not the only record he holds; this lanky striker is the all-time PL leader in goals scored with his head. I mean, it makes a lot of sense given the biggest advantage of being tall is being able to easily win headers. Of course, he is more than just a header merchant. You can’t play for 10+ seasons with teams like Liverpool, Tottenham, and Stoke with no skill. Ok, maybe you could play for Stoke...
Which EPL player is this?
This young French superstar was a bit of bad business for Manchester United. He began his career with United in 2011. Being only 18, he struggled to find a place in the team’s lineup, and left for Juventus in 2012. Here in Torino is where he developed into the player he is today: a strong box-to-box midfielder with fantastic dribbling skills and a blazing shot. After a few years of winning every trophy in Italy, he made his return to Manchester. Problem is it cost United 100 million more to buy him than what they had sold him for four years earlier.
Which EPL player is this?
This player was always meant to be at Crystal Palace it seems. He spent his youth career in their academy, and after over 100 games with the pro team, he caught the eye of one of England’s bigger clubs. Despite signing a five year contract with Manchester United, he was immediately loaned back to Palace. After a year loaned there, he was loaned to Cardiff, then back to Crystal Palace once again. After that spell, all parties involved decided it would be best to sign a contract with the Eagles.
Which EPL player is this?
This player was possibly the most important part of Leicester City’s impossible Premier League title win in 2015. While he wasn’t the one scoring the goals, or the last player to defend against goals, he did everything in between. He was the ultimate midfield destroyer, breaking up attacks before they even happened. His importance was proven when he was basically the only player sold from the title-winning team, and the Foxes dropped from first to 12th, while his new team, Chelsea, went from tenth to first.
Which EPL player is this?
This player is your prototype #9 in English football. He’s a big, strong, physical striker capable of dominating a game if the service is right. Born in Zaire, this player came through the Belgian youth system with Standard Liege, and chose to play internationally with Belgium once he got his citizenship. He moved back and forth between Liege and fellow Belgian outfit Genk before coming to England via Aston Villa. He had a wonderful scoring record there, but after their relegation in 2015, he’s struggled with both Liverpool and Crystal Palace.
Which EPL player is this?
City Football Group (the business that runs Manchester City F.C.) purchased Melbourne City F.C. in 2014 This Australian player was the first to really benefit from this partnership. He moved from Melbourne to Manchester in 2016 on a three year deal, although he was immediately loaned to Championship side Huddersfield Town. Against the odds, Huddersfield Town was promoted to the Premier League. He was then sold to HT for £8-10 million, which is ironically more than what CFG paid for the entire Melbourne City team.
Which EPL player is this?
This is the only player on this list from Brighton and Hove Albion, and he is worthy of the spot as their leading goalscorer from the 2016-17 season that saw them finish 2nd in the Championship. It wasn’t his first time doing that either. In the 2012-13 season, he scored a ridiculous 30 goals in the Championship to help Crystal Palace into the top tier of English football. Still, he hasn’t had much success, or playing time once he gets to the Prem. He has just 11 goals in 38 games over four seasons in the EPL.
Which EPL player is this?
This bald, tattooed midfielder made his Premier League debut with Liverpool in 2010, making 69 appearances with the club before getting loaned to Blackpool, who was in the Championship. He proved his worth there, and was back in the PL with Swansea City from 2013-2016. In January he was sold to Newcastle United in an effort to stay in the Prem. Unfortunately, they didn’t, but both of them would be back in the PL the following season after winning the Championship. The Lord Voldemort lookalike has taken advantage of England’s sub-par national team, making multiple appearances for the Three Lions.
Which EPL player is this?
This was arguably the best goalkeeper in the PL in 2016-17, at least, stats-wise he was. In the more than popular Fantasy Premier League app, he finished with more points than any other shot-stopper. This is partially because of how busy he was. Playing for Burnley, he got more than his fair share of shots against, especially when you compare that to the other top goalies who play for teams with better defence. The Manchester United youth product has played over 150 games with Burnley.