The last 10 years have well and truly flown by, an incredible decade in the Premier League with unforgettable and historic moments as recently as this past Friday, sorry Southampton!
Four clubs have won the prestigious title, with one of them attempting to make it three in a row this season. This decade has seen the end of iconic careers for players such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, Petr Cech and Peter Crouch! There have been fond farewells to managers too, Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson saying goodbye to their dynasties and Jose Mourinho coming back and departing again, will he return in the decade to come (or this November as it proved)!
But all of this does mean we need to vote who has made the ‘Team of 2010’s’, as you should because debates are fun right? Here are my picks for the stars of the last 10 years in the Premier League…
GOALKEEPER – DAVID DE GEA
A player who has a grown into the role of Manchester United shot-stopper, he is now indispensable and has been the sole reason at times for any form of success at Old Trafford. The transition from Ferguson into a new era has and still is a slow one for the club, thankfully they’ve had the man who has defied logic with some saves and the first United player to win their Player of the Year three years in a row.
A Premier League title and Golden Glove award to his name, there have been a handful of games where he has been a one-man team carrying his team-mates to victory. He has been PFA keeper of the year five times and equalled the record amount for saves in a game, against Arsenal. Consistency is key.
Notable Mentions – Petr Cech, Joe Hart, Thibaut Courtois
DEFENCE – Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Cesar Azpilicueta
Warriors, leaders and important goal scorers.
The City representation was in no doubt, Kompany is up there for the best players of the decade and Zabaleta epitomised the determination and spirit of the City team to win their first Premier League title in 2012. Both joined before the Abu Dhabi takeover and both were vital in the success that followed, that deserves credit. The iconic moment of Kompany striking the ball into the top corner last season against Leicester is one of the most amazing moments in the league’s history.
Azpilicueta is one of the most underrated players over the decade, a consistent performer and leader for Chelsea with a great eye for a cross and even a goal. Mourinho once said, “I’d have 11 Azpilicueta’s”, you’d be lucky.
As for Vertonghen, he may not have a winner’s medal but his rise alongside his clubs, to challenge for the title has been remarkable. A club managed well and buying shrewdly, the Belgian was one of those only costing around £12 million. Partnering Toby Alderweireld in the best defence in the league in back-to-back seasons in 2016 and 2017, they set a club record for least goals conceded. A centre half who would fit into any top side around Europe, this was proven with his importance in Spurs’ run to the Champions League final and consistent top four finishes.
Notable Mentions – Kyle Walker, Virgil Van Dijk, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Leighton Baines
MIDFIELD – N’Golo Kante, Yaya Toure, David Silva
There are few players in world football you could pluck from the second tier in one country, move them to the top division in another and they go and win the league in back-to-back campaigns. This is what N’Golo Kante did between 2015 and 2017, one of them being the greatest underdog story in English football, oh he now also has a World Cup medal, not a bad decade for him. His tenacity, speed and vision has redefined the importance of a ball-winning midfielder.
Another powerhouse, slightly taller, but just as effective was Yaya Toure. His unbelievable power balanced with guile on the ball carried Manchester City to titles in 2012 and 2014. He is only the second midfielder to score 20 league goals in a season alongside Frank Lampard, when the titles seemed beyond City, Toure dragged them to it, meaning he edges out former team-mate Kevin De Bruyne.
Then there’s David Silva. One of the greatest in Manchester City’s and the Premier League’s history, his genius and constant delivery of performances from Roberto Mancini to Pep Guardiola have been extraordinary. His departure at the end of this season will end an iconic spell with four Premier League titles, with the possibility of one more. He is near 300 league appearances and 100 league assists, after overcoming personal adversity as well, Silva deserves the legendary recognition.
Notable mentions – Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard, Christian Eriksen, Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho
FORWARDS: Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard
Two were proven in their quality and the protagonists in their sides, the other has developed into one. Raheem Sterling was doubted by many when he moved across to Manchester City, even more didn’t know if he could cut it under Guardiola. But his best form has come under the tuition of the Spaniard as he sits on 42 goals in just over two seasons, phenomenal.
He is a go-to guy for City now and has become that for England to. The reigning FWA Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year, he’s only getting better.
Hazard was mercurial at Chelsea, winning two titles and many plaudits. His skill, creativity and style was a pleasure to watch and when on form is one of the best attackers the Premier League has ever seen. 85 goals and 54 assists, Stamford Bridge was the place to be when he played.
As for Sergio Aguero, the best Premier League player of the decade for me. His art of goal-scoring is unbelievable, scoring over 20 in the last five seasons and starting this campaign with eight in nine games. Power, control and finishing, there were doubts again when Guardiola came but if anything he stepped up his game. Delivering the moment of the decade in 2012 against QPR, Manchester United fans are haunted by Martin Tyler screaming his name even to this day.
Notable Mentions – Robin Van Persie, Harry Kane, Luis Suarez, Mo Salah, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez
Here’s to the next 10 years…
Sam Tonks 