Graeme Souness Picks His Best Premier League Star

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

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Graeme Souness, the legendary Liverpool and Scotland midfielder, known for his uncompromising style and insightful commentary, has recently shared his opinion on the greatest Premier League player of all time. His selection has sparked debate amongst football fans and pundits alike, prompting us to delve into his reasoning and examine the criteria he used to reach his conclusion. This article explores Souness's choice, analyzing its merits and considering alternative candidates for the title of the best Premier League star.

Souness's Chosen Premier League Star and His Justification

Souness surprisingly selected Patrick Vieira as the greatest Premier League player of all time. While many might expect a prolific goalscorer or a record-breaking midfielder, Souness emphasized Vieira's commanding presence and influence on the game. He cited Vieira's unwavering commitment, exceptional leadership, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches as key factors in his decision. While specific quotes aren't readily available, his commentary often highlights the importance of players who control the midfield battle.

Souness's justification likely centers on the following key qualities:

• Technical Skill: While not known for dazzling dribbling skills, Vieira possessed exceptional passing accuracy, strong tackling ability, and a powerful shot. He was a master of controlling the tempo and dictating play from midfield.
• Leadership Qualities: As captain of Arsenal for many years, Vieira exuded authority and inspired his teammates. His leadership was instrumental in Arsenal's dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
• Mental Fortitude: Vieira consistently performed at the highest level under immense pressure. His unwavering determination and resilience made him a formidable opponent.
• Impact on Games: Vieira's influence extended beyond goals and assists. His presence alone disrupted opponents' attacks and provided a solid foundation for Arsenal's attacking prowess.
• Trophies Won: Vieira won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups with Arsenal, further solidifying his legacy as a key player in a highly successful team.

Alternative Candidates and Their Strengths

Naturally, many other players are frequently cited as the best Premier League players. The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer, and Kevin De Bruyne all boast incredible records and compelling arguments for the top spot. Let’s briefly look at their strengths:

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Unmatched goal-scoring prowess, numerous individual awards (including multiple Ballon d'Or awards), and Champions League success with Manchester United. His impact on any team he played for was undeniable.
• Thierry Henry: A supremely gifted forward, Henry combined breathtaking pace, skillful dribbling, and exceptional finishing ability. His partnership with Dennis Bergkamp was legendary. His Arsenal goal-scoring record stands as testament to his skills.
• Alan Shearer: The Premier League's all-time leading scorer, Shearer's goal-scoring instincts and clinical finishing were unparalleled. His consistency throughout his career is remarkable.
• Kevin De Bruyne: An exceptional creative midfielder, De Bruyne's passing ability, assists, and goal-scoring contributions have made him a key figure in Manchester City's success. His influence on the game's flow is unparalleled.

Analyzing Souness's Criteria and the Debate It Sparks

Choosing the "best" Premier League player is inherently subjective. Different fans and pundits prioritize different criteria. Some might emphasize statistical dominance (goals, assists, etc.), while others focus on a player's influence on team success or their accumulation of individual awards. The longevity and consistency of a player's performance are also frequently cited considerations.

There are certainly contrasting viewpoints on Souness's choice. Some may argue that a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, with his astronomical goal tally, deserves the title more. Others may point to the creative genius of a player like Kevin De Bruyne. The debate highlights the difficulty of comparing players across different eras and positions.

Various perspectives on what defines the "best" player include:

• Statistical Dominance: Raw numbers like goals, assists, and clean sheets can paint a picture of a player’s impact.
• Influence on Team Success: A player's contribution to major trophies and league titles is vital in assessing their overall impact.
• Individual Awards: Ballon d'Or, PFA Player of the Year awards demonstrate individual excellence.
• Longevity and Consistency: Maintaining a high level of performance over an extended period speaks volumes about a player's ability and dedication.

Conclusion

Graeme Souness's selection of Patrick Vieira as the best Premier League player highlights the importance of considering factors beyond raw statistics. Souness's emphasis on leadership, influence, and control of the midfield sparked a debate, reminding us that choosing the ultimate best is a matter of perspective. While players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer, and Kevin De Bruyne present compelling alternative claims, Vieira's contribution to Arsenal's success is undeniable.

Who do you think is the best Premier League player of all time? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below! Let's discuss Graeme Souness's pick and your own choice for the best Premier League star. #PremierLeague #BestPlayer #GraemeSouness #FootballDebate #PatrickVieira