30 Years of Premier League Football: The Greatest Premier League XI

30 Years of The Premier League Era XI

John Terry or Rio Ferdinand? Paul Scholes or Kevin De Bruyne? Eric Cantona or Alan Shearer? The Premier League was 30 years old in August 2022, and has been the home of some of the greatest players of the modern era.

Since its formation in 1993, the Premier League has been absolutely blessed with some of the world's greatest talents, and so to celebrate three decades of the Premier League, using a 4-3-3 formation, Green Beans has formed the ultimate Premiership dream team, stretching back to the summer of 1992.

In 2017, we also did a Premier League XI for the 25th anniversary, which you can see here.

So, without further ado, here's the ultimate Premier League team of the past 30 years... 

Goal Keeper - Peter Schmeichel (Manchester United)

Like with our 25th anniversary team, we've gone with Manchester United goal keeper Peter Schmeichel, for his performances in the 90s. Big, strong, athletic and reliable, the Danish keeper seemed almost impossible to beat during his peak years from 1994-1999. Without him between the sticks, United may not have won all the titles sitting in their massive trophy cabinet.

Right Back - Gary Neville (Manchester United)

Another player to make both teams is the formidable Gary Neville. Red Nev wasn't the strongest or quickest right back in the world, but he was incredibly reliable, and formed a thriving partnership with David Beckham on the right flank. His crossing and tackling were underrated, in a long career that saw him lift numerous trophies.

Centre Back - Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

Knocking out Tony Adams from this team is the Manchester City legend, Vincent Kompany. The former Belgium international was the leader of the great City teams that dominated the Premier League. He scored two legendary winning goals which played a huge part in City winning titles - his towering header against Manchester United in 2012, and then his long range beauty against Leicester City in 2019. Kompany is one of the Premier League greats. 

Centre Back - John Terry (Chelsea)

Nobody can deny how influential Chelsea legend John Terry was on the pitch. Terry was the leader of Mourinho's great Chelsea teams of 2005 and 2006, and he also played a huge role in Chelsea's resurgence in 2010. Terry had pace, strength and bundles of passion, and great leadership. He wasn't only the best defender in the Premier League, but one of the best in the world during his prime.  

Left Back - Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

In his prime, Ashley Cole was one of the best left backs in world football, and he played a big role in Chelsea's Premier League success, as well as Arsenal's success previously. Cole could turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye, with his blistering pace up and down the flank. Cole was perhaps one of the very few players who kept Cristiano Ronaldo in check on more than one occasion.

Defensive Midfield - Roy Keane (Manchester United)

You could make a case for a number of players in this holding midfield role, but winning trophies speaks louder than anything else, and Roy Keane has more medals than any other player who played in his position. Keane is regarded as one of United's best ever captains, and his influence on Ferguson's teams was immense. There aren't many players you'd rather have in the trenches with you than Roy Keane, and his influence was evident in United's remarkable success. 

Attacking Midfield - Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

Paul Scholes is perhaps the most naturally talented Englishman since Gazza. Along with Kevin De Bruyne, Scholes is the greatest passer of the ball the Premier League has ever seen, and who knows what England might have achieved if Scholes had been utilised properly. The ginger genius could pick a pass, control a game and score some terrific goals. He went from supporting striker in the 90s, to a deep positioned playmaker in the 2000s.  

Attacking Midfield - Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Since joining Manchester City from Chelsea, Kevin De Bruyne has gone on to become one of the Premier League's greatest ever players. This playmaking, pass master has been instrumental in City's roaring success under Pep, and he still plays a significant role in the team's continued success. Has there been a better playmaker than De Bruyne? 

Left Wing - Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

Ryan Giggs doesn't make the cut, but his fellow Welshman, Gareth Bale, does. Bale's last two seasons at Spurs were quite remarkable - on another level to anything we'd seen in the Premier League era. For that two year period, Bale's influence on Spurs was up thee with Ronaldo's spell at United, and just like the Portuguese, he sealed his then world record move to Real Madrid.

Right Wing - Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Arsenal's record goal scorer was a phenomenon in his peak, and he played a key role in their 'invincible' season in 2004. Pace, strength, skill and a sharp eye for goal, Henry simply had it all.

Centre Forward - Alan Shearer (Newcastle United)

Alan Shearer is STILL the greatest striker the Premier League has ever seen. He didn't have pace or sublime skill, but Shearer was your old fashioned centre forward, with incredible strength and a lethal eye for goal. Shearer had power, a great header, and a big work ethic. He was simply a goal machine. 

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