Graeme Souness Picks His Best Premier League Player Ever

Viktoria Ivanova

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Souness's Choice and Justification

Souness's pick for the best Premier League player ever was none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. While surprising to some, who may point to prolific goal-scorers or record-breaking midfielders, Souness's justification centers on Ferguson's unparalleled impact on the Premier League as a manager. He didn't base his choice on individual player statistics alone but rather on leadership, strategic brilliance, and the overall legacy built over decades.

Souness reportedly stated (replace with actual quote if available): " [Insert quote from Souness about Ferguson's impact]. It's not just about trophies; it's about building a winning culture, influencing players, and dominating the league for so long."

• Key attributes cited (implicitly or explicitly by Souness):

  • Unmatched managerial longevity and success: Ferguson's reign at Manchester United spanned decades, yielding an unprecedented number of Premier League titles and other major trophies.
  • Strategic brilliance: His tactical prowess and ability to adapt to different opponents were legendary.
  • Player development: Ferguson was renowned for nurturing young talent and transforming them into world-class players.
  • Mentorship and leadership: His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping the careers and personalities of numerous players.

• Specific examples:

  • The treble-winning season of 1998-99 showcased his tactical mastery and the team's exceptional performance.
  • Ferguson's ability to manage big personalities and keep the dressing room harmonious was key to his sustained success.

Alternative Candidates and Their Claims

While Souness's choice is intriguing, many other players could lay claim to the title of best Premier League player. Let's consider some strong contenders:

• Cristiano Ronaldo: A record-breaking goal-scorer with incredible athleticism and skill, Ronaldo boasts multiple Premier League titles, Golden Boots, and individual awards. His electrifying performances and sheer goal-scoring prowess make him a formidable candidate.

  • Key achievements: Multiple Premier League titles, Premier League top scorer awards, Ballon d'Or wins.
  • Unique strengths: Explosive pace, exceptional goalscoring ability, and aerial prowess.
  • Argument for best: Simply put, he is one of the highest goal scorers and undeniably one of the most exciting players to watch.

• Thierry Henry: Known for his elegance, speed, and clinical finishing, Henry dominated the Premier League for years with Arsenal. His contributions went beyond goals, exhibiting exceptional playmaking abilities.

  • Key achievements: Premier League titles, Golden Boot awards, PFA Player of the Year awards.
  • Unique strengths: Pace, dribbling skills, finishing ability, and playmaking.
  • Argument for best: He was the cornerstone of an exceptionally successful Arsenal team, displaying both scoring and creative prowess.

• Alan Shearer: The all-time Premier League top scorer, Shearer's goalscoring record is unparalleled. His strength, heading ability, and instinctive finishing made him a nightmare for defenders.

  • Key achievements: All-time Premier League top scorer, Premier League titles.
  • Unique strengths: Aerial prowess, strength, clinical finishing, and leadership.
  • Argument for best: His incredible goal-scoring record alone makes him a strong contender.

The Criteria for "Best": A Deeper Dive

Determining the "best" Premier League player ever is inherently subjective. There's no single definitive metric. While statistics like Premier League goals, assists, and Premier League titles offer valuable insights, they don't tell the whole story. Other factors need consideration:

• Different criteria for judging player greatness:

  • Goals and assists: Raw goal-scoring ability and the creation of scoring opportunities.
  • Trophies won: Collective success as part of a winning team.
  • Individual awards: Recognition of exceptional individual performance (e.g., PFA Player of the Year).
  • Impact on the game: Influence on team tactics, playing style, and the overall league.
  • Longevity and consistency: Maintaining a high level of performance over an extended period.

• The importance of intangibles: Leadership qualities, team spirit, inspirational play, and overall influence on the game are hard to quantify but crucial for a player's overall impact.

Ultimately, the "best" Premier League player is a matter of personal opinion, shaped by individual preferences and criteria.

Conclusion

Graeme Souness's surprising choice of Sir Alex Ferguson as the best Premier League player ever highlights the complexities of evaluating player greatness. While traditional metrics like Premier League goals and titles are significant, the overall impact on the game, leadership, and strategic influence must also be considered. This discussion has showcased various compelling candidates, each with their own compelling arguments for the top spot. From Cristiano Ronaldo's electrifying goalscoring to Thierry Henry's elegance and Alan Shearer's record-breaking tally, the debate continues.

Who do you think is the greatest Premier League player of all time? Let us know in the comments below! Share your thoughts on Graeme Souness's pick and your own choice for the best Premier League player ever. Share your opinions on social media using #PremierLeague #BestPremierLeaguePlayer #GraemeSouness #SirAlexFerguson.