The English Premier League is arguably essentially the most demanding league on the planet. Not one of the 20 golf equipment tolerate mediocrity, which means gamers want to stay on the prime of their recreation to maintain competing within the prime flight of English soccer. Because of this, we frequently see gamers go away England in quest of minutes, particularly after crossing the dreaded 30-year milestone.
Right now, we’ll take a fast take a look at a handful of legends who’ve defied the chances and loved a chronic keep within the English Premier League, taking part in effectively into their 30s. Listed here are the ten gamers who’ve performed essentially the most matches in Premier League historical past.
#10 Phil Neville – 505 Matches
Kicking issues off is former Manchester United and Everton star Phil Neville, with him taking part in 505 Premier League video games all through his profession. Neville, who primarily operated as a right-back, spent 11 years at Manchester United earlier than switching to Everton in 2005. He retired at Goodison Park after eight superb years with the Merseysiders. Total, he scored 9 instances and supplied 25 assists within the league.
Most of Neville’s video games got here for Manchester United. He performed 263 video games for the Mancunians, scoring 5 instances and profitable six Premier League titles.
#9 Jamie Carragher – 508 Matches
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher performed 508 matches within the English Premier League between the 1996-97 and 2012-13 seasons. The ex-England defender solely represented the Reds in EPL, recording three objectives, 15 assists, and 195 clear sheets throughout his keep.
Carragher famously received the UEFA Champions League with the Anfield outfit in 2005 however didn’t have any luck within the Premier League. The middle-back retired in July 2013 after making 737 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions.
#8 Mark Schwarzer – 514 Matches
In eighth place, we have now former Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. The proficient ex-keeper, who featured for Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, and Leicester Metropolis, performed 514 instances within the Premier League. He saved a commendable 152 clear sheets and supplied one help.
The Middlesbrough icon was not lucky sufficient to win the Premier League title. The Participant of the Month win in February 2010 was his solely notable achievement within the English prime flight.
#7 Emile Heskey – 516 Matches
Former Leicester Metropolis, Liverpool, Birmingham Metropolis, Wigan Athletic, and Aston Villa ahead Emile Heskey performed 516 Premier League video games in his profession. No out-and-out ahead in historical past has performed as many within the English prime flight.
Heskey, who retired at Bolton in July 2016, was not essentially the most prolific attacker of his time. In 516 EPL matches, Heskey scored 110 instances and supplied 53 assists, by no means managing to win the league title.
#6 Gary Velocity – 535 Matches
Former Wales worldwide Gary Velocity has claimed the sixth spot on this listing, having performed a formidable 535 Premier League matches in his profession. Velocity represented Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, and Bolton Wanderers within the division, taking part in essentially the most video games for the Magpies (213 video games).
The gifted midfielder, who scored 80 instances and supplied 44 assists, by no means received the Premier League title. Nonetheless, he conquered the First Division with Leeds United in 1991-92.
#5 David James – 572 Matches
Former England worldwide David James performed 572 Premier League matches in his profession — by far essentially the most by a goalkeeper. James saved a powerful 169 clear sheets throughout his memorable Premier League run and even supplied two assists.
James represented Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Manchester Metropolis, and Portsmouth within the Premier League. Many of the 53-year-old’s matches got here for the Merseyside outfit (214 video games).
#4 Frank Lampard – 609 Matches
Arguably the best participant in Chelsea’s historical past, Frank Lampard has claimed the fourth spot with 609 Premier League appearances. The previous England midfield star represented three Premier League golf equipment, West Ham United, Chelsea, and Manchester Metropolis, making essentially the most appearances for the Pensioners (429 league matches).
Lampard, who retired at New York Metropolis FC in February 2017, received three Premier League titles. He claimed two consecutive titles with Chelsea in 2004-05 and 2005-06 earlier than lifting it once more in 2009-10.
Total, ‘Tremendous Frank’, as he’s affectionately known as in west London, scored 177 objectives and supplied 102 assists within the league. He received the Premier League Participant of the Season Award in 2004-05.
#3 Ryan Giggs – 632 Matches
Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs featured in 632 Premier League matches between 1992 and 2014. Giggs, who has performed essentially the most video games within the Pink Devils’ historical past (963 matches), additionally featured in 40 English top-flight video games earlier than it was revamped into the Premier League in 1992.
No participant in Premier League historical past has received extra titles than Giggs. The previous midfielder, who recorded 109 objectives and 162 assists within the Premier League, lifted the coveted title a whopping 13 instances. Will probably be an extended whereas earlier than anybody comes near surpassing the Welsh legend.
#2 James Milner – 633 Matches*
The one energetic participant on this listing, James Milner has performed 633 Premier League video games thus far in his profession. The versatile midfielder, who joined Brighton & Hove Albion firstly of the 2023-24 season, has represented Leeds United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester Metropolis, and Liverpool within the highest echelon of English soccer.
The 38-year-old has amassed three Premier League titles in his profession, two with Metropolis (2011-12, 2013-14) and one with Liverpool (2019-20). Thus far, he has scored 55 instances and bagged 89 assists within the league.
#1 Gareth Barry – 653 Matches
On the summit sits former English midfielder Gareth Barry, having performed a whopping 653 Premier League video games all through his profession.
Barry, who hung up his boots at West Bromwich Albion in August 2020, spent the whole thing of his profession in England, representing 4 Premier League groups. He started at Aston Villa, adopted by stints at Manchester Metropolis and Everton, earlier than ultimately retiring at West Brom. The ex-defensive midfielder scored 53 objectives and claimed 64 assists within the division, profitable the title with Manchester Metropolis in 2011-12.
