TOP 5: Premier League's Greatest Spaniards

The Premier League has been fortunate enough to have hosted some of the world's most talented Spaniards to ever play the beautiful game. Although this list is probably not as prestigious as the Top 5 Dutchmen, the players listed below are still extremely talented players of which it could be argued are some of the best to ever grace the Premier League. In his second edition of Top 5, The Football Addick now turns his attention to the greatest Spaniards to ever play in the Premier League, using facts and figures to reinforce his claims.

In contrast to the Top 5 Dutchmen, it was a little bit easier to choose my Top 5 Spaniards to grace the Premier League. Despite possessing a multitude of Spanish talent over the past 25 years, in my eyes there are a clear cut 5 who are more than deserving of being on this list. Nevertheless, there were those that came close to making the list but just missed out, including: Jose Manuel Reina, Juan Mata, Luis Garcia, Cesar Azpilicueta and Mikel Arteta. If you think I have missed anyone out or simply want to argue a player's case, do not hesitate to leave a comment on this post (http://thefootballaddick.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/top-5-best-spaniards-to-play-in-premier.html) or contact me on social media (@FootballAddick).

5) David Silva

5) Manchester City's best ever player in Premier League history?

At number 5 we have one of the most technically gifted players to ever play in the Premier League, David Silva. The former Valencia man only stands at 5 foot 7 tall and is extremely small in stature, but what he lacks in a physical standpoint he more than makes up for with his technical ability. Silva has been an ever present since his arrival to Manchester City in 2010 and has enjoyed great success with the club. During his time in England he has won 6 domestic titles, including 2 Premier League triumphs. Although not a goal scorer by any stretch of the imagination, the Manchester City man has still racked up 37 goals in 211 Premier League appearances for the Citizens. His creativity is more of a strength for the Spaniard, having racked up an impressive 62 assists in the league. Moreover, he has also tallied of 28 goals in 109 appearances for his country; and played important roles as Spain won the European Championships of 2008 and 2012 as well as the World Cup in 2010. The Spaniard has been extremely successful in his career on a domestic and national level and is deserving of being in the Top 5 Spaniards to play in the Premier League. 

4) David De Gea

4) David De Gea: One of the best in the business?

De Gea was only 20 when he made the £17.8 million move from Atletico Madrid to Manchester United, and his inexperience told as he endured a torrid start to life in England. Numerous clangers and nervy performances had the media on his back, and it looked as if the Spaniard would not last long in the Premier League as he was dropped for second choice Anders Lindegaard. However, Sir Alex Ferguson showed great faith in the youngster and stuck by him during his difficult time, and soon the shot stopper would eradicate these mistakes that had plagued his game and blossom into one of the world's best goalkeepers. Although Manchester United have plummeted since Alex Ferguson left in 2013, United's demise has not been because of De Gea. In fact, I would say that without De Gea, United would be in a much worse position than they currently find themselves in. When those around him have failed to live up to expectations, the Spaniard has performed admirably, and his list of personal accolades highlights his pedigree as a top class goalkeeper. Not only has he been named in the Premier League team of the season on 3 occasions; he has also won the Match of the Day save of the season 4 years running. The Spaniard has been one of a few bright spots for United in previous years, and many would agree with me when I say that the former Atletico Madrid man is up there as one of the Top 3 world's best Goalkeepers.

3) Xabi Alonso

3) Xabi Alonso in his Liverpool days 

The Liverpool icon was much revered by his fans when he played for the Merseyside club, and given his talent it is easy to see why. Alonso made the £10.8 million move from Real Sociedad to Liverpool in 2004, arriving in England as pretty much an unknown commodity. But despite coming to England with a lowly reputation; Alonso would leave as one of the greatest midfielders to ever play in the Premier League. The Spaniard was mostly known for his passing range, but he also made his mark with spectacular goals. The midfielder would score 2 half way line goals in England; against Luton and Newcastle. He would also enter Liverpool folklore during Liverpool's Champions League win in 2005, scoring the third goal to complete the comeback from 3-0 down to 3-3 with AC Milan. He would later form one of the best midfield trio's the Premier League has ever seen, playing alongside Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard. However, despite his great success in England, his relationship with Rafael Benitez was strained and after the manager tried to replace him with Gareth Barry (what was he thinking!?), Alonso would eventually leave England to play for Real Madrid. Alonso would achieve great success after leaving England at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, where he has won a further 9 titles and counting. He also played a massive role in Spain's dominance in recent years where they won major trophies in 2008, 2010 and 2012. The passing maestro has recently announced he will retire from the game at the end of the season, putting an end to a fantastic career where he has won practically everything there is to win in the game.

2) Cesc Fabregas

2) Cesc Fabregas has enjoyed great success at both Arsenal and Chelsea

Fabregas burst onto the Premier League scene in 2004 as a 19 year old, and he would soon establish himself as one of the best youngsters in world football. The Spaniard was not a goalscorer in his early days at Arsenal, until the 2009/2010 season where Fabregas would notch 19 goals in all competitions. Although success at Arsenal was few and far between Fabregas would flourish on a personal level, being named to the UEFA Team of the year in 2006 and 2008, as well as being named in the Premier League team of the year on 2 occasions. The midfielder would earn a move to boyhood club Barcelona in 2011 for roughly £25 million, but after a successful stint in Catalonia he would return to England in 2014 for Chelsea, where he would win the Premier League in his first season there. Although this season he has mostly been utilized from the bench, he has nevertheless performed well when called upon and has played a pivotal role as his team looks set to win the league again this season. To date, Fabregas has made 301 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 46 goals. He has also made 105 appearances for his national side, where he has scored 15 goals and been a pivotal figure since making his debut in 2006. Not only has he been one of the greatest Spaniards to play in England, but he would also easily be inside the top 20 best players to ever play in the Premier League.

1) Fernando Torres 

1) In 2008 Fernando Torres was named in the UEFA Team of the Year, and came 3rd in both the FIFA World player of the year
and the Ballon D'or. Is he the best striker to grace the EPL?

At number one, we have one of the most lethal strikers to ever play in England. Although sadly he will probably be remembered for his demise in his latter years at Chelsea (and for his open goal miss against Manchester United!), there was a time at Liverpool where 'El Nino' was the best striker in the world. Equipped with electrifying pace and deadly in front of goal, Torres quickly endeared himself to Liverpool fans after he made the move from Atletico Madrid in 2007 for a fee of roughly £20 million. He would make a mockery of the league's best defenders, single-handedly tearing apart opposition defence and leaving those that played against him with nightmares (particularly Nemanja Vidic!). Although he would win no major honours and was plagued with injuries during his 4 season stint at Liverpool, Torres still accumulated a highly impressive tally of 65 goals in 102 appearances in the league at a ratio of 0.64 goals per game. He also racked up 38 goals in 110 appearances for Spain and would win numerous personal and team accolades in the process. He would not be the same after his £50 million move down south to Chelsea, but he still played a pivotal role in their Champions League win, providing scenes of jubilance for the London side (and one of the most memorable commentaries in world football from Gary Neville) with his semi final game clincher against Barcelona. Although injuries would effectively destroy his career at the tender age of 26, Torres' stint at Liverpool established himself as the most lethal striker in the Premier League. During his time in Merseyside, it can said in great confidence that he was up there with the very best players in the world.

Like the article? Be sure to follow me on blogger or social media for future Top 5 posts! The next edition of Top 5 will be based on 'the Best Frenchmen to play in the Premier League'. Thank you for reading!

Twitter: @FootballAddick @JamesStroud1995