DESI Fans: Most Loved Premier League Players

The Premier League is widely considered the most popular football league in the world for several reasons. Across its rich history, DESI fans have loved many Premier League players.

It is also famous for the vast entertainment that these players provide.

There is a smaller gap in quality between the top and bottom clubs as opposed to other European leagues.

Many teams such as Liverpool and Manchester United receive massive DESI support, particularly from the South Asian region.

DESI football fans have seen several players come and go during the history of the Premier League.

Some of which are considered to be icons of the respective teams that they have played for.

As a result, people from India, Pakistan and the United Kingdom have become massive fans of them.

We take a look at the most loved Premier League players and why DESI people are such big fans of them.

English Players

Steven Gerrard

The most iconic midfielder to play for Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

His versatility and leadership during his 17-year career at Liverpool have drawn a lot of respect from fans.

Vansh Maheshwari, a Liverpool supporter said: “He is a great captain and leader, both on and off the pitch.”

Gerrard is the only player in history to score in the finals of the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, and Champions League, winning on each occasion.

He demonstrated his leadership qualities during the 2005 Champions League Final against AC Milan.

His team was 3-0 down going into half-time. Steven Gerrard inspired them to a heroic comeback which led to victory on penalties.

The 2005 Final in Istanbul is one of world football’s greatest ever moments and Gerrard was at the heart of it.

Liverpool fan Nakul Sotie said: “He is the reason that the Miracle of Istanbul was even possible.”

“He could have left when Chelsea tried to sign him but stayed with a team that was sub-par at the time.”

“Steven Gerrard pulled them through the muck and the grime to stay alive.”

Harry Kane

The Tottenham Hotspur striker is fast becoming one of England’s best ever forwards.

He is only 25 and has not reached his physical peak yet, which is bad for other Premier League teams.

Harry finished as the League’s top scorer in two consecutive seasons, in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 season.

At the 2018 World Cup, he captained England to their best finish at a World Cup since 1990, also fourth place.

Kane also became the second English player to win the golden boot after Gary Lineker in 1986.

His individual successes at Spurs have catapulted him to stardom in South Asia, with many fans admiring his traditional style of play.

This includes Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli who has praised the England striker’s scoring pedigree.

Thank You so much @HKane. Loved your goal against Germany. Good Luck with your PL chase! ? https://t.co/ZbeYRIXkwj

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 28, 2016

Kane’s regular scoring makes him one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

Michael Owen

At such a young age, Michael Owen quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s best young strikers.

In 2001, Michael showcased his talent to the world when Liverpool won a cup treble, including the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup.

He went on to win the coveted Ballon d’Or in the same year at the age of 22.

Although he went on to play for teams such as Real Madrid, football fans will remember Owen for his time at Liverpool.

Michael was a natural goalscorer, which is what people loved about him.

Owen’s pace and eye for goal had made him a fan favourite amongst the DESI community.

Liverpool supporter Jasdeep said: “Michael Owen was amazing at Liverpool.”

“He was a great goal scorer, being fast on the ball. But then he left for Real Madrid and we lost him.”

David Beckham

David Beckham is arguably the most recognised footballer in world football.

He has played for many top European teams as well as being one of the first overseas players to compete in the American MLS, playing for LA Galaxy.

David is most known for his time as a Manchester United player.

Beckham is part of the famous class of ’92, featuring the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Gary, and Phil Neville.

He was part of Manchester United’s success during the 1990s and 2000s, which include the historic treble.

David is also considered to be one of the best free-kick takers ever. The accuracy and spin he put on the ball was a delight to see.

Sajid, aged 41, said: “David Beckham was made at United.”

“Sir Alex took him from a young lad and turned him into one of the biggest players in the world.”

“His free-kicks were phenomenal.”

Wayne Rooney

When Wayne Rooney joined Manchester United as the most expensive teenager in 2004, his career skyrocketed.

His debut for United is one of football’s best debuts when he scored a hat-trick against Fenerbahçe in a 6-2 win in the UEFA Champions League.

That was the start of something special for Wayne.

He is the Red Devil’s record goalscorer with 253 goals in all competitions.

Rooney’s time at Manchester United also saw him become England’s record goalscorer.

An icon at Manchester United, Wayne is a favourite amongst DESI supporters due to his goal-scoring achievements.

Fans also saw him grow at the club, both in terms of experience and in maturity.

There were also rumours in 2015, linking him with the Indian Super League (ISL) as a result of his status as a modern football icon.

Foreign Players

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristian Ronaldo is arguably one of the greatest young players to have graced the Premier League.

Cristiano played for Manchester United from 2003 to 2009. In that time, he was just elevating his game to a whole new level which was on display when playing for Real Madrid.

He is best known for his UEFA Champions League triumph in 2008, the first of five titles he has won.

Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess has gained him a lot of support from DESI football fans.

Sai Pavan Paranam said: “I believe he is the most complete attacker. He ticks all the boxes necessary for an attacker.”

Cristiano is also publically noted for his charity work. For example, he donated £100,000 to the hospital which saved his mother’s life following her battle with cancer in 2009.

Afsar Saman said: “His philanthropic initiatives and blood donations shows another side to him.”

His goal scoring ability and charitable work make him one of the Premier League’s most loved players.

Eden Hazard

Arguably the most technically gifted player in the Premier League, Eden Hazard is Chelsea’s talisman.

Still only 27, he will continue to get better.

Eden has won two Premier League trophies and has a third-place medal with Belgium at the 2018 World Cup.

The Belgian winger is blessed with pace, agility and a goal-scoring threat, which has made him a big hit with fans.

His attacking threat has been a major reason for Chelsea’s success in recent years.

DESI fans have praised Hazard’s technical ability and work ethic.

Chelsea supporter Al Ameen said: “He gets better each year and is crucial to Chelsea’s success. I haven’t seen a defender that can cope with him on their own.”

“He is dangerous every time he goes forward with the ball at his feet.”

The growing potential of Eden Hazard is among the reasons why he is one of the Premier League’s most loved players.

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry is perhaps best known as Arsenal’s greatest striker in contemporary times.

He spent eight years with the Gunners and is their record goalscorer with 226 goals in all competitions.

Thierry was the Premier League’s most dangerous striker during the early to mid-nineties.

During the 2003-04 season, Arsenal went through the entire Premier League season unbeaten.

Known as ‘The Invincibles’ that Arsenal team is still the only team in Premier League history to achieve the feat.

His strength, speed, and precision are what has made him such a hit with DESI supporters.

Despite being a Chelsea supporter, Piyush Chaudhari could not hide his admiration for the French maestro.

He said:

“It is rare that you get a striker with speed and composure in equal measure.”

“Henry had both. He was a wonderful footballer.”

Luis Suarez

Although he was there for only a short time, Luis Suarez established himself as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever strikers.

He scored 82 goals in 133 appearances.

Suarez was known for running at defenders where he would usually come out on top and punish the opposition with his powerful shot.

His work rate is second to none, often winning the ball back and creating chances for his teammates.

Despite his technical ability, he is one of football’s most controversial players. He has been involved in multiple incidents which have seen him bite other players.

This includes biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic which saw him banned for 10 games.

Kiran, aged 36, said: “Luis Suarez was a massive player for the Reds. Until he bit more than he could chew including that ear!”

Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona was regarded as a cult figure at Manchester United during the 1990s.

Eric was a physically strong and hard-working forward who had an excellent goalscoring ability.

He is considered to be a key part of United’s revival as a dominant team. During that time, they won four league titles in five years.

Cantona wore the iconic number 7 shirt with his trademark upturned collar.

Fans of the club nicknamed the Frenchman ‘King Eric.’

Although he is a legend of the club, he has a poor disciplinary record which includes the now infamous Kung Fu kick on a fan in 1995. He was given an eight months ban for this offence.

Despite the controversies, Eric is arguably United’s greatest ever player for his personality and scoring instincts.

Bilal, aged 49, said: “I remember Cantona playing for United. Everyone use to sing the Oh-Ah Cantona song! Plus, how can you forget that fly kick at a fan in the stands.”

Mo Salah

Mo Salah may have only joined Liverpool in 2017, but he has fast become one of their best.

Mo’s pace and agility have made him one of the Premier League’s most enjoyable players to watch.

He previously played for Chelsea but was not given much of an opportunity – this is something that they probably regret.

Salah broke the club’s scoring record for a debut season. The Egyptian winger also received the Golden Boot for a record 32 goals in a season.

Mo’s presence has made Liverpool one of Europe’s most enjoyable sides to watch.

His chemistry with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have created one of football’s most dangerous front threes.

Salah does most of his talking on the pitch with his performances. He is a humble individual, making him a fan favourite amongst DESI Liverpool supporters.

Jo Patel, aged 23, said: “Mo Salah is one top player. Although he had a bad 2018 World Cup, he still has the skills to give Liverpool the edge.”

Patrick Vieira

The powerful midfielder Patrick Viera is considered as one of Arsenal’s greatest players.

He established himself as a dominating footballer, known for his aggressive style of play.

Despite being a defensive midfielder, Patrick had an excellent passing vision.

He captained Arsenal to three league titles and three FA Cups and was part of the historic ‘Invincibles’ team in 2003-04.

His leadership made Arsenal into one of England’s best teams. Something which the team has lacked since his departure, a leader.

Vieira’s qualities have made him one of football’s best midfielders. He was followed globally, especially by fans from India.

Peter Schmeichel

‘The Great Dane’ Peter Schmeichel is considered as one of football’s greatest ever goalkeepers.

At Manchester United, he was known for his intimidating physique and competitive nature. Peter was regarded for his goalkeeping technique and shot-stopping ability.

He captained United to the historic treble in 1999. The presence Schmeichel had in goal made him a great leader as he would usually organise his defenders.

These characteristics are seen in his son Kasper, who is a goalkeeper for Leicester City.

Peter was popular in India as they saw his ability to stop many shots that other goalkeepers could not save.

As a legend of the game, Schmeichel went to Mumbai in 2014 to enhance the popularity of the ISL.

Alexis Sanchez

Although he now plays for Manchester United, Alexis Sanchez is best known for his time at Arsenal.

The Chilean is blessed with creativity and speed, which he uses to make attacking opportunities for him and his teammates.

He has been heavily praised for his work rate, especially at Arsenal when most of his teammates look like they have given up.

Sanchez is always trying to create chances and attempting to win the ball back.

His attacking qualities has become a positive sight for DESI fans, especially since he left to join league rivals Manchester United.

Arsenal fan Moh said: “We are missing that spark and that spark goes by the name of Alexis Sanchez.”

Watch a video on the most loved Premier League players by Desi fans: