A Look Back at the Premier League Legends of the 2000s
The Premier League has produced a plethora of legendary players since its inception in 1992. From the early days of Eric Cantona, Alan Shearer and Ryan Giggs, to the modern stars of today like Kylian Mbappe, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane, the Premier League has seen some of the greatest footballers of all-time grace its pitches.
In this article, we’re going to take a look back at some of the legendary Premier League players of the 2000s, who made their mark on English football and will forever be remembered by fans of the beautiful game.
Thierry Henry
Arguably the most iconic Premier League player of the 2000s, Arsenal’s Thierry Henry was signed from Italian side Juventus in 1999 for a fee of £11 million. In his time with the Gunners, Henry became a legendary figure in North London and a global superstar. He scored 226 goals in 369 appearances and won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup three times, and the UEFA Champions League in 2006.
Henry was an outstanding all-round player, with incredible technical ability and a lethal finishing touch. His ability to score goals from all angles and his flair on the ball made him one of the most feared strikers in the league. He was a key part of Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ side that went the entire 2003/04 season unbeaten and was voted Footballer of the Year three times.
Steven Gerrard
Another legendary Premier League player of the 2000s was Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard. The charismatic midfielder was signed by the Reds from hometown club Whiston Juniors in 1998 and went on to become one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
Gerrard was an incredible talent, with an eye for goal and an unrivalled ability to drive forward from midfield. He captained the Liverpool side that won the Champions League in 2005, and won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup three times and the UEFA Cup in 2001. He was voted Footballer of the Year in 2009 and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Paul Scholes
Another Premier League great of the 2000s was Manchester United’s Paul Scholes. The midfield maestro was signed by the Red Devils in 1993 and went on to become one of the finest players in the club’s history. Scholes was a masterful passer of the ball, with an uncanny ability to pick out a teammate from anywhere on the pitch.
He was an integral part of United’s treble-winning side of 1999, and won the Premier League ten times and the Champions League twice. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all-time.
Frank Lampard
West Ham United’s Frank Lampard was another Premier League great of the 2000s. The midfielder was signed by the Hammers in 1995 and went on to become one of the most decorated players in the club’s history. Lampard was an outstanding goalscoring midfielder, with an incredible ability to find the back of the net from long range.
He won the FA Cup three times, the League Cup twice and the Champions League in 2012. He was voted Footballer of the Year in 2005 and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Dennis Bergkamp
Another legendary Premier League player of the 2000s was Arsenal’s Dennis Bergkamp. The Dutchman was signed by the Gunners in 1995 and went on to become one of the most iconic players in the club’s history. Bergkamp was a master of the game, with incredible vision and an eye for the spectacular.
He scored 120 goals in 423 appearances and won the Premier League three times, the FA Cup four times, and the UEFA Champions League in 2006. He was voted Footballer of the Year in 1998 and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Wayne Rooney
Finally, we come to one of the most iconic Premier League players of the 2000s, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. The striker was signed by the Red Devils in 2004 and went on to become one of the greatest players in the club’s history. Rooney was an incredible all-round player, with an eye for goal and an ability to make things happen on the pitch.
He scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United and won the Premier League five times, the FA Cup three times, and the Champions League in 2008. He was voted Footballer of the Year in 2010 and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
These six Premier League legends of the 2000s all made their mark on English football and will forever be remembered as some of the greatest footballers of all-time. From Thierry Henry’s incredible goalscoring ability, to Steven Gerrard’s drive from midfield, to Dennis Bergkamp’s mastery of the game, these players will be remembered for generations to come.