Francesc Fabregas Arsenal plucked Fabregas from the Barcelona youth team when he was sixteen and promised him he would have a better chance of breaking through at Arsenal. Still barely an adult, he plays in one of the most demanding positions on the field in central midfield, and controls games like he has been around for years.
Emmanuel Adebayor As soon as Thierry Henry left for Barcelona, everyone wondered where Arsenal's goals were going to come from. Adebayor has not only stepped up, he has quickly established himself as one of the most coveted strikers in the world. The lanky Togo international has loads of skill, pace and strength. He could now walk into the first team of any club in Europe.
William Gallas The French center back was one of Chelsea’s best and most consistent performers over the last few years. He is a world class defender who is also dangerous in front of goal. His controversial move to Arsenal coincided with Ashley Cole's transfer in the other direction. Arsene Wenger made Gallas his captain.
Robin van Persie Brought over from Holland as the next Dennis Bergkamp, van Persie plays a similar role to the older Dutch legend lying right behind the main striker. An intelligent and skillful young player who looks like he could become one of the best players in Europe in the coming years.
Theo Walcott Not much is known about Walcott yet though the whole nation has been waiting for him to play ever since Arsenal paid millions for him as a sixteen year old. He was controversially selected in the England squad for the World Cup in Germany even though he had never played a first team game for Arsenal. Lightning quick with a knack for scoring goals, he is starting to show his worth.
Tomas Rosicky Even though Rosicky had been one of the top performers in Germany’s Bundesliga, no Premiership team had firmly declared their interest in the Czech attacking midfielder until Arsenal bought him. He was his country’s best player at the World Cup in Germany and has already transitioned smoothly to the English game and style.
Eduardo da Silva The Brazilian born Croatian might finally be the fox in the box that Arsenal have been looking for under Wenger. Eduardo is an out and out striker who finishes well and scores lots of predatorial goals in and around the six yard box. He is now recovering from a career threatening open fracture dislocation of his ankle
Kolo Toure Toure has gone from useful reserve to one of the best center halves in the Premier League. The Ivorian defender's value to Arsenal is equal to any other player in Wenger's talented squad.
Gabriel Agbonlahor Agbonlahor has been one of the success stories of late, forcing his way into Villa's first team and proving his Premiership pedigree up front. Already an England under 21 international, there should be more to come from him in the coming years as Villa grow.
Gareth Barry The captain and heart and soul of Villa, Barry has recently been recognized with call ups to the England national team. Consistent, with a good engine, he is versatile, able to play in midfield or defense.
John Carew The big Norwegian striker looks like a traditional English center forward. He has played at the highest level in Europe and brings experience, size, and guile to the Villa front line.
Brad Friedel The big American goalkeeper has been one of the best in England over the last 10 years. Now at the end of his career, he has been brought in to help Villa break into the top four.
Brad Guzan Guzan represents the future. Although not the starting keeper yet, he is Brad Friedel's understudy and should be Villa's number one soon.
Ashley Young Ashley Young was Watford's star as they tried to compete in the Premiership following promotion from the league below. The English teenager can play up front or on the wing, and has now been brought to a bigger, more ambitious club where he will be expected to help Martin O'Neill produce an exciting team capable of challenging for the title in the not too distant future.
Curtis Davis The young versatile defender was the subject of much transfer speculation until Martin O'Neill bought him from West Bromwich Albion. He has been pipped for future England international honors.
Benny McCarthy McCarthy is a South African international striker who had been looking for a transfer to an English club for some time. He has scored goals at the highest level and won the European Champions League with Porto. He has carried on at Blackburn where he is considered one of the shrewdest purchases in the league
Morten Gamst Pedersen The “Norwegian David Beckham”, Pedersen is a gifted winger who often lights up games. Now more responsible with his defensive duties, he has the potential to be the complete player.
Paul Robinson Previously England's first choice goalkeeper, Robinson needs to perform well between the posts at Blackburn if he hopes to get respected again.
Roque Santa Cruz The sophisticated center forward is Paraguay's most well known player. Having played at the top level for several years with Bayern Munich, Santa Cruz has the sort of game that is suited for the Premiership. With his ability to lead the line, score goals, and bring pther players into the box, Santa Cruz could partner well with McCarthy or Derbyshire up front.
Matt Derbyshire Brought up in the Blackburn youth system, the home grown Lancashire center forward has forced himself into Mark Hughes's first team as well as the England U-21's. Mostly brought off the bench late in games, Derbyshire is a deadly finisher in front of goal.
Kevin Nolan The captain and center midfielder who was famously let go by his boyhood team Liverpool, only to prove to them that they made a mistake as he has been one of Bolton’s best players. Many people think he should be playing for England with his control of the midfield, his work rate, and his eye for important goals.
Danny Shittu A cult favorite, no-nonsense, hard center back with a name that fans love to sing.
Nicolas Anelka "Le Sod" has returned to England where he has enjoyed his most success. Known throughout the soccer world as moody and difficult, there is no questioning his talent. The French striker was phenomenal when he burst on the scene at Arsenal several years ago, and is now hoping he can repeat the feat at Chelsea.
Ashley Cole Possibly the best left back in the world, Cole may be the heir apparent to Roberto Carlos' throne. He defends well and is such an attacking threat when he goes forward that Chelsea eventually got the man they were after for so long.
Petr Cech Considered one of the best goalies in the world for his shot stopping, command of the penalty box, good feet, and consistent performances for Chelsea and the Czech Republic. cech is easily recognizable in a black rugby-style helmet following a skull fracture sustained in a game against Reading.
Deco Deco has had a brilliant career at Porto, Barcelona, and for his adopted country Portugal. A talented attacking midfielder, Deco is a play maker and match winner.
Michael Ballack The captain and poster boy of Germany, Ballack left Bayern Munich to challenge himself in the Premiership. As a leader on the field, he controls games in midfield and often scores spectacular goals. He is up there with the best midfielders in the world.
Michael Essien A true box-to-box midfielder for Chelsea and Ghana, Essien is a complete player who bosses the midfield. Considered one of the best center midfielders in the world.
John Terry Blue through and through, Chelsea’s captain rose through the youth ranks to become one of the best center backs in the world. Inspirational and rock solid at the back, he reads the game well and is very dangerous in the opponent’s box on corners and free-kicks.
Frank Lampard “Super Frank” as he is known at Chelsea, Lampard has grown into one of the most sought after midfielders in the game. Often arriving in the box at the perfect time, he scores lots of important goals for club and country, and is considered a complete midfielder.
Joe Cole So much expectation has been placed on Joe Cole’s shoulders ever since he was a youth team player at West Ham. Tricky with the ball, often embarrassing defenders, Cole has become one of England’s most exciting players.
Didier Drogba The Ivory Coast center forward has dominated the English league like he did in the French Ligue Un with Marseilles. He has power and strength, is known as a team player, frightens defenders, and has become a top world star in a star-studded Chelsea team.
John Obi Mikel Already controversial before stepping foot in England, the Nigerian teenager originally signed for Manchester United, but later said that he was pressured to do so, and really wanted to sign for Chelsea. After going through the courts, Chelsea now have a midfielder who is one of the hottest prospects in world football.
Tim Howard Manchester United signed Howard from MLS in 2003 and later loaned him to Everton. He became Everton's first choice keeper and secured a permanent transfer. Now considered one of the best and most consistent goalies in the Premier League, Howard's greatest strength is his shot stopping ability.
Joleon Lescott Signed from Wolves in the division below, Lescott has become a fans' favorite at Goodison Park with his no nonsense defending and organization of the back four. Now a regular in the England set-up.
Mikel Arteta The Spanish midfielder has been one of Everton’s best signings. Commanding yet artistic in midfield, he is a skillful play-maker who is probably Everton's best player. He has unbelievably been ignored by the Spanish national set up.
Leon Osman Osman came through the youth system at Everton. Underrated outside the blue half of Liverpool, he is a midfielder especially skillful around the box, who creates lots of goals and scores a few himself.
Phil Neville The younger brother of Gary Neville who plays right back for Manchester United and England, Phil Neville has been more of a utility player than his more illustrious older brother. They have both played at the highest levels for Manchester United and England, but Phil was finally let go from Man United after many loyal years. He is well respected for playing in several positions in the back and in midfield, but at Everton, he has proven what a good holding midfielder he is.
Tim Cahill Cahill’s goal scoring form from midfield has been one of the main reasons Everton have challenged the big four for a place in the Champions League. The Australian international was underrated, starring for Millwall in the lower league and helping them make it to the FA Cup Final before he became one of Everton’s shrewdest signings. Aggressive and skillful, he often scores important goals like he did for Australia in their first World Cup since 1974.
Aiyegbeni Yakubu Yakubu is a powerful center forward who is now Everton's record signing. He has not shown his best form through a whole season yet, but could become one of the most complete strikers in the game if he does not go begging after Christmas. He has the potential to be one of the best.
Leighton Baines A solid young left back who made a name for himself at Wigan, Baines could be challenging Ashley Cole in the England team soon. Now at a bigger club under more of a spotlight, the Merseyside local could be one of the smartest purchases Moyes has made in the transfer market.
Phil Jagielka As the standout player for Sheffield United in their doomed season, Jagielka brings versatility and strength in depth to Everton's squad as he can play in the center of midfield and in the center of defense.
Jimmy Bullard Everybody's favorite, Bullard missed a whole season due to a knee injury. A hardworking midfielder wo plays wth a smile on his face, it was Bullard along with American favorite Brian McBride who kept Fulham up in 2008.
Clint Dempsey Dempsey was the third American to join Fulham. He epitomizes what managers likes in American players--grit, determination, and professionalism. Dempsey is a midfielder who tackles well and likes to break forward to chip in with the odd goal here and there. Employed as lone striker at times, Dempsey is Fulham's only player to have strated every game this season.
Zoltan Gera The little Hungarian midfielder is underrated by most, but was easily the jewel in West Brom's team the year they were relegated.
Andy Johnson Andy Johnson is a small center forward who is known for his pace and finishing. With a great work ethic and a never say die attitude, Johnson is a manager's dream.
Eddie Johnson The big American center forward was brought to save Fulham from relegation but his arrival may have been too late.
Dean Windass Considered Hull's most famous and celebrated player for his loyalty and goal that took Hull to the top flight for the first time in their history, it will be hard for the larger than life Windass to get a game now that he is 40.
Marlon King With a lot to prove to the public that he is Premieship qualty, King leads the line at Hull and will be expected to be Hull's top scorer.
Steven Gerrard One of the best midfielders in the world and the driving force behind Liverpool and England, Gerrard was born and bred in the city and came up through the youth academy. He has an incredible engine and can play anywhere on the pitch. He could walk into any team in the world, and is always a topic of transfer discussion.
Dirk Kuyt The blond haired Dutch striker has two good feet, a good footballing brain, and has been known to score a variety of goals from tap ins to long range efforts outside the box. He is praised at Anfield for his work effort and is an excellent complement to a more flair striking partner.
Xabi Alonso A classy midfielder from the Basque region of Spain, he usually sits deep in center midfield and sprays passes around the park. With Gerrard, he is part of one of the best midfield duos in the Premiership.
Jamie Carragher Liverpool fans say that a perfect team would be made up of 11 Carraghers. He grew up not far from Anfield and still is seen at his local hangout with his dad. A reliable center back who never backs down from a challenge, Carra has been invaluable to the Reds.
Fernando Torres Spain's marquee center forward has become one of the best center forwards in the world since his move to Liverpool. He may be the piece of the puzzle that Benitez has needed to win the Premier League. Torres is skillful, quick, physical, links play well, and scores goals. It has been said that the Spanish striker never scores the same goal twice. He is one of the most successful Premiership signings in recent history.
Ryan Babel The Dutch winger came to everyone's attentions after his sensational performances for the Holland U-21's last summer. Brought up in the famed Ajax academy, Babel is a winger who some feel is the next Thierry Henry.
Robbie Keane Keane started playing in the top flight when he was a teenager. A striker with skill and vision, Keano creates as many goals as he scores. Brought to Liverpool to partner Fernando Torres up front, the two are arguably the most dangerous strike force in the Premiership.
Richard Dunne The Republic of Ireland center back has been City's player of the year for his rock solid displays and committed approach to the team.
Joe Hart Having beaten off competition for City's number one jersey, Joe Hart looks like he could become England's hope between the posts. Agile and with good judgment that belies his age, Hart has been one of the main reasons behind City's new found success.
Stephen Ireland Controversial for lying to the Republic of Ireland to get out of a friendly, Stephen Ireland has never the less become a very important midfielder for club and country.
Martin Petrov Bulgaria's best player alongside Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, the winger was wanted by many clubs across Europe before Sven Goran Eriksson bought him. With a great left foot, Petrov is at his best taking on full backs, whipping in crosses, and occasionally having a crack himself from outside the box.
Shaun Wright-Phillips A diminutive winger at 5’5, the son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright, SWP became one of Chelsea’s expensive signings after brilliant performances for Manchester City where he started his career. It took him a while to settle in, but Wright-Phillips established himself as an important player in Chelsea’s squad before being brought back to City after they were bought out by the Abu Dabi business group.
Micah Richards An athletic player who can play anywhere in defense or midfield, he was City’s young player of the year in 2006. He has already gained a reputation as a future star, and has been picked for England at right back and center back. He is a true jewel in Eastlands where Man City will be looking to keep him from moving to one of the big four.
Jo A gamble for the money when City bought the Brazilian striker Jo from the Russian first division, he nevertheless has the potential to be a great success in England.
Robinho The ability to sign world superstar Robinho from Real Madrid has proved Manchester City have the financial backing to compete with the elite of world football. A brilliant attacking midfielder with dazzling foot work and ball skills, Robinho should be one of the most interesting players to watch this year.
Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo is considered by many to be the current best player in the world. He has moved on from just being a skillful winger with lots of tricks, to influencing and dominating matches, scoring lots of important goals, and consistently entertaining the manager and crowd alike. He is the current Premiership player of the year.
Michael Carrick A classy and sophisticated midfielder who United bought from Tottenham for close to $30 million after the World Cup. Calm and assured on the ball, Carrick has a fantastic array of passes, always looks like he has lots of time, and rarely gives the ball away.
Gary Neville Man United’s right back for more than a decade, Gary Neville has been England’s best in that position for a long time. Despised by rival fans for representing everything they hate about United’s success.
Ryan Giggs Like Neville, Giggs has played his whole career at United, coming up through the youth ranks and starting for the first team as a teenager. The Welsh wizard has been one of the best left wingers in the world over the last ten years, and will always be a legend at Old Trafford. Unfortunately he never qualified for a major tournament with Wales, so like George Best, the world did not get to see him play at a World Cup.
Owen Hargreaves England's star performer at the last World Cup, the Canadian born Hargreaves qualifies for England through his father. Hargreaves was educated at Bayern Munich where he established himself in the holding midfield role alongside some of the world's biggest stars. Previously underrated in England, he is now Man United's and England's first choice in that position. Hargreaves is a scrappy player similar to Chelsea's Makele who sits right in front of the back four acting like a shield.
Nani The Portuguese winger is likened to Ronaldo as they both played for Sporting Lisbon in similar positions before moving to United. Good on the ball with loads of ability and technique, Nani gives Sir Alex Ferguson options on the wing.
Anderson Anderson is a Brazilian play maker who broke into the Portuguese top flight before securing a transfer to United.
Carlos Tevez Carlos Tevez had a phenomenal first season in England with West Ham where he single handedly kept them up. After a prolonged controversial transfer to Man United, Ferguson has yet another player who could walk into any team in the world. The Argentine is perfectly suited to the Premier League with his work rate, aggressiveness, craft, and guile.
Rio Ferdinand At one time, Ferdinand was the most expensive defender in the world. Not only an excellent out and out defender, Rio is good on the ball, calm under pressure, and distributes passes like a midfielder.
Wayne Rooney The golden boy of English football, Rooney carries the whole of England’s hopes on his shoulders when he plays for his country. With excellent skill, vision, strength, power, and the ability to take over a game, Rooney is touted as possibly becoming the best player of his generation.
Nemanja Vidic Vidic has transitioned to the Premiership with ease. As one of Serbia’s famed stingy defenders, he looks to be the perfect partner for Rio Ferdinand in the center of the United defense.
Ji-Sung Park Brought from PSV Eindhoven in Holland, Park is arguably South Korea’s best player. He operates on the wing and looks to be the long term successor to Ryan Giggs.
Dimitar Berbatov The Bulgarian center forward was one of the best players in the Premiership during his first two seasons at Spurs. At the peak of his career now, United hope his exquisite ball control and silky skills can fit in perfectly with Ronaldo, Rooney, and Tevez.
Alfonso Alves The Brazilian center forward had an unbelievable goal scoring record in Holland before his winter transfer to Boro. Considered a major coup for boss Gareth Southgate, Boro fans hope they have finally bought a 20 goal a season striker.
Ahmed Mido Mido is a large muscular center forward who works hard as the target man up front. He has already played fpr multiple clubs across Europe and now has moved to Boro after being made surplus to requirements at Tottenham. The controversial Egyptian international has also made waves in his homeland with his playboy lifestyle and flashy cars.
Stuart Downing A consistent left winger and England international at a young age, Downing has been a bright light at Middlesbrough. He is one of many Boro players who has come up through their highly rated youth system.
Damien Duff Offered a way out by Chelsea because he was not playing regularly enough, Duff has been one of the best wingers in the game. He represents a shrewd piece of business for Newcastle who bought the Irish international for only $10 million, but has thus far been plagued by injury.
Shay Given Given has been Newcastle fans’ and Ireland fans’ choice for best player which shows how good of a goalkeeper he is considered. Although relatively small for a goalie, Given is one of the bravest keepers in the Premiership and a brilliant shot stopper.
Joey Barton Undeniably talented in midfield, his young career has already been highlighted by off the field stories including poking a cigar in a teammate’s eye at a club party, having a brother who racially murdered a youth in Liverpool, getting jailed for assault, and upsetting Manchester City fans when he asked to be transferred after the club stood by him. He has a lot of stamina and energy and recently forced his way into the England squad to challenge Gerrard and Lampard for a starting place.
Michael Owen Ever since he lit up the 1998 World Cup in France as a teenager, the “boy wonder” has been in the spotlight. Former European footballer of the year, Owen has been injured for most of 2006. He was at his best for Liverpool, adored at Real Madrid despite being used as substitute due to politics, and came to Newcastle because of their history of great strikers. The Geordies have not had the chance to really see Michael Owen yet.
Obafemi Martins The Nigerian striker took a while to get started, but he is now looking like excellent value for money after a big transfer from Inter Milan. Quick and powerful with lots of quality on the ball, Martins is coveted by several clubs but is committed to Newcastle for now.
Sol Campbell Campbell was colossus at the back for Arsenal and England, and has been brought to Pompey to lead the revolution on the south coast. Let go by Arsenal after what is believed to be a mental breakdown, Campbell is still regarded as one of the better center backs in England.
Jermain Defoe Defoe is a natural finisher who has scored goals at every level he has played. Sometimes criticized for being selfish, he was not able to establish himself as one of Tottenham's first choice strikers.
David James England’s former number one, James often makes incredible game winning saves. However his nickname “Calamity James” has followed him around his whole career after several high profile blunders.
John Utaka Bought from Rennes in France's Ligue Un, the Nigerian has been praised by his fellow teammate and countryman Kanu. Utaka is full of tricks and pace and has the potential to be a big hit at Portsmouth.
Peter Crouch At 6’7, Crouch is one of the tallest players in world football. Physically awkward for defenders to deal with, his great touch for such a big center forward has earned him international honors with England.
Dave Kitson Dave Kitson was a huge success at Reading after being found playing in the lower leagues. Considered a great bargain, his goals were one of the main reasons Reading were promoted to the Premiership for the first time in their history. Easily recognizable with bright red hair, Kitson scores goals from anywhere around the penalty box.
El-Hadji Diouf El-Hadji Diouf is another player who is often derided by opposing fans for his antics on and off the field. Keane may beable to get the best out of the controversial Senegalese striker.
Craig Gordon Scotland's number one has been made the most expensive goalkeeper in British football history after Roy Keane finally secured his transfer from Hearts in the SPL. There is a lot of pressure on his shoulders as he knows his form will be a main reason why Sunderland stay up or get relegated.
Michael Chopra Unproven at this level, the Newcastle local has been brought to their fiercest rivals to lead Sunderland's front line in the top flight. He is one of only a few players of South Asian descent to have played in the Premiership.
Kenwyne Jones The young, tall Trinidadian center forward has the tools to step up another level and could be the reason Sunderland avoid relegation this season. A handful for defenders to mark, Jones is underrated outside the northeast.
Steed Malbranque Malbranque brings some Gallic flair to the midfield as he does his business right behind the strikers. Lots of talent with the ball at his feet, he was good at Fulham and at Tottenham but was not able to consistently reproduce the form that would make him world class.
Anton Ferdinand Younger brother of England center back Rio, Anton Ferdinand showed similar class in the center of the Hammers’ defense before moving to Sunderland to lead the back four. He is strong in the air and a good distributor of the ball.
David Bentley The Arsenal youth prodigy blossomed at Blackburn Rovers where he was playing mostly on the right wing. He has real quality on the ball and has just started to force his way into the England set up in David Beckham's old position.
Tom Huddlestone Huddlestone is only 21 but looks like he has been playing for ages. He is big and lacks pace, but for some reason he always looks like he has lots of time on the ball in the congested center of midfield. What he lacks in pace, he more than makes up for with intelligence, skill, confidence, and an impressive array of passes. A very classy midfielder who is not too dissimilar to his old teammate Michael Carrick who is now at Manchester United.
Alan Hutton Bought from Rangers in the Scottish Premier League, Hutton represents a shrewd piece of business for boss Juande Ramos. A verstaile defender, he has turned out to be one of the best right backs in the game at the moment.
Jermaine Jenas The long legged midfielder has already gained England international honors. Part of Tottenham's policy of buying young English talent, Jenas is a box to box midfielder who is also quite creative in the final third of the field. He is expected to rise to the next level but has so far flattered to deceive.
Ledley King The captain and heart and soul of Tottenham, King is loved by the Spurs faithful. He is an elegant central defender who has also played as a holding midfielder for England. Unfortunately blighted by injuries lately.
Darren Bent Spurs spent close to $32 million to secure the services of Darren Bent but he has so far been a dismal failure. A center forward in the form of a classsic number nine, Bent is powerful and quick, but he is judged on scoring goals.
Gareth Bale The Welsh teenager was covted by Manchester United, but elected to transfer to Tottenham from Southampton. The teenage left back is a quality modern defender who is just as effective attacking up the left wing.
Aaron Lennon Lennon has electrifying pace, runs at defenders, and creates lots of chances for his teammates. If his final ball is consistent and he scores more goals himself, he could become one of the best wingers in Europe.
Jonathon Woodgate One of the classiest and most elegant center backs in England, the Middlesbrough born defender has been plagued by injury throughout his career. He is back to his best and hoping to get back in the England squad.
Vedran Corluka The Croatian midfielder was described as a Rolls Royce by former Man City teammate Micah Richards. A powerful runner with good skill and a good footballing brain, he is an established international.
Heurelho Gomes Gomes came to the attention of Spurs aftre impressive diaplays in goal for PSV Eindhoven. Although Brazilians did not used to be known for their steady goalkeeping, Gomes looks the complete keeper.
Luka Modric Tottenham's major signing in the summer of 2008, Modric is a flair midfielder who is one of Croatia's most important players.
Giovani los Santos The teenage Mexican was brought up in the Barcelona youth squad. Extremely talented and entertaining with the ball, he is expected to break into the first team at Tottenham soon.
Roman Parlyuchenko The Russian center forward was brought to replace the irreplaceable Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov. With predatorial instincts and experience at the highest level, it may take time for Pavlyuchenko to settle in, but he should fit right into the Premier League.
Luis Boa Morte Previously Fulham's captain and best player, he has a great left foot, runs at defenses, scores goals, and plays well regularly. The Portuguese international is only a sub for his country, but in England he has often been the topic of transfer gossip from lots of clubs.
Lucas Neill He has always been a solid defender, but since his performances for Australia at the World Cup he became highly sought after and decided to join West Ham, many think because of the money. He turned down Liverpool to go to West Ham in the middle of a relegation battle, which raised some eyebrows in the league. Undoubtedly good in the tackle, he is never too far from controversy.
Scott Parker Initially famous for juggling a ball as young boy in a McDonald’s commercial, Parker has been West Ham's best bit of business. His vision and passing from center midfield led many to wonder why he wasn’t selected for England’s World Cup squad in Gernmany. He has energy, works hard, shows lots of quality on the ball, and is stong in the tackle.
Danny Gabbidon Wales’ first choice center back, Gabbidon was followed closely by several Premiership clubs when he was playing for Cardiff City in the Championship. Alan Pardew brought him to the Premiership where he has established himself in West Ham’s first team.
Lee Bowyer Controversy has followed Bowyer in the last several years. At one time Britain’s most expensive teenage transfer, Bowyer was arrested for racial assault, caught on national TV punching his own teammate during a game, and not considered for England duty.
Dean Ashton Ashton showed he had Premiership quality when he starred for Norwich in their ultimately unsuccessful year in the top flight. An intelligent striker not too dissimilar to Teddy Sheringham, Ashton is a big part of West Ham's ambitions.
Craig Bellamy Bellamy is a Welsh international striker who has never been too far from controversy. Undoubtedly talented with pace and skill, he has often been portrayed as a prim Donna and a bad apple. He could be the perfect partner for Ashton.
Jonathan Spector Initially signed by Manchester United in 2004, Spector has been regarded as one of the most prestigious young players from America. Having already played at such a high level, there is a weight of expectation on his shoulders. He was a regular at left back for Charlton before West Ham bought him to add to their already talented team. Spector was in line for a place on the US squad for the World Cup in Germany before he unfortunately got injured right before the tournament.
Antonio Valencia The Ecuadorian midfielder has been a hit in England. Previously unknown, Valencia is now coveted by many of the bigger clubs.
Amir Zaki The Egyptian center forward is another player who was relatively unknown before pulling on a Wigan shirt. A hard worker and difficult striker to defend, Zaki may have the skills and work ethic to do very well in the Premiership.
Chris Kirkland Kirkland has been very unlucky with injuries throughout his young career. Considered one of the most natural goalkeepers around, he is blessed with good feet, quick reactions, shot stopping ability, and command of his area.
Emile Heskey Heskey signed for Wigan from Birmingham after they were relegated. Although he has had a successful career in club football and for England, the burly striker has always been appreciated by managers more so than fans. He is a good target man who holds the ball up well and brings others into the attack.
Jason Koumas Koumas has spent most of his career in the lower divisions where he was always considered one of the best players at the end of the season. As a creative midfielder and poorer relation to his fellow Wales teammate Ryan Giggs, Koumas is a joy to watch when he has the ball, but has often been criticized for not fitting into many a manager's tactics. The Premiership is a challenge for him to prove the doubters wrong that he is not just a luxury player.
