Graeme Souness Picks His Best Premier League Player Ever

Kenji Nakamura

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Souness's Choice and Justification

Souness surprisingly selected Patrick Vieira as the greatest Premier League player ever. His reasoning, as reported, centers on Vieira's unparalleled influence on the game, his commanding presence on the pitch, and his ability to dictate the tempo of matches. He wasn't just a gifted player; he was a leader who inspired his teammates and instilled fear in opponents.

• Quote from Souness (hypothetical, as a specific quote isn't provided in the prompt): "Vieira was a colossus. He didn't just play football; he controlled it. His presence alone changed games. I've seen many great players, but few had his impact."
• Key attributes mentioned: Exceptional leadership, unparalleled physical presence, tactical awareness, and ability to dominate midfield.
• Specific examples (hypothetical): Souness might cite Vieira's performances in Arsenal's unbeaten 2003-04 season or his crucial role in Arsenal's FA Cup victories.

Comparing Souness's Pick to Other Premier League Legends

While Vieira is a strong contender, many would argue for other Premier League greats. Let's consider some alternative candidates and see how they stack up against Souness's choice.

The Case for Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer, a prolific goalscorer, holds the record for most Premier League goals. His impact on Newcastle United is undeniable.

• Goalscoring record: The Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer, a testament to his clinical finishing.
• Impact on Newcastle United: A club legend, his goals kept Newcastle competitive for years.
• Trophies won: While he didn't win numerous titles, his individual brilliance and contribution to his teams are significant factors.

The Case for Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry, Arsenal's all-time leading scorer, is often considered one of the most elegant and skillful players the Premier League has ever seen.

• Style of play and influence: His pace, skill, and goalscoring ability made him a global icon. His impact on Arsenal's "Invincibles" season was significant.
• Awards and accolades: Numerous individual awards, including PFA Player of the Year.
• Overall impact on the game: He redefined the role of a striker with his blend of skill, pace, and intelligence.

The key differences lie in style of play. While Shearer and Henry excelled individually, Souness likely prioritized Vieira's leadership and all-around game control. The debate hinges on whether individual brilliance or team impact should be prioritized when selecting the "best" player.

The Criteria for "Best Premier League Player Ever"

Determining the "best" player ever is inherently subjective, but Souness's choice suggests certain implied criteria.

• Longevity: A long and successful career in the Premier League is crucial. Vieira, with his long stint at Arsenal and later at other clubs, exemplifies this.
• Trophies vs. Individual Brilliance: While Shearer and Henry might have fewer team trophies, their individual brilliance was undeniable. Souness's choice might suggest a heavier weighting towards team success and influence.
• Impact on the Game: Vieira's ability to control the midfield and dictate the flow of matches arguably had a greater impact on his team's overall success than the purely goalscoring prowess of others.

Fan Reaction and Debate

Souness's selection of Vieira will undoubtedly spark fierce debate among fans. While Vieira is undeniably a legend, many will champion Shearer or Henry (or even other contenders like Cristiano Ronaldo or Kevin De Bruyne) as better choices.

• Social media reactions: Expect a range of opinions, with passionate arguments for and against Vieira's selection.
• Disagreements and counter-arguments: Many will highlight Shearer's goalscoring record or Henry's elegance and influence. The debate will likely center on the relative importance of goals, trophies, and overall game impact.
• Other expert opinions: Comparing Souness's view to other pundits and former players will further fuel the discussion.

Conclusion

Graeme Souness's choice of Patrick Vieira as the best Premier League player ever highlights the subjective nature of such a decision. While the arguments for Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry are strong, Souness likely prioritized Vieira's leadership, all-around game, and impact on the team's success. Ultimately, selecting the "best ever" player is a matter of personal preference and criteria.

Call to Action: Who do you think is the best Premier League player ever? Share your opinion and debate Graeme Souness’s pick in the comments below! Let’s discuss who truly deserves the title of the greatest Premier League player ever. Share your thoughts on the #GraemeSounessBestPremierLeaguePlayer debate!