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8 Best American Premier League Players of All Time

best american premier league players

American Premier League players have helped to put the United States Men’s National Team on the map. Americans are continuing to make waves across Europe.

Best American Premier League Players of All Time

In the 2021-22 season, 25 countries had more players in the Premier League than the United States. Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic remains the star attraction. Zack Steffen played two games for champions Man City. Norwich City striker Joshua Sargent scored two goals in a campaign which saw the club get relegated.

Despite the lack of numbers, a handful of American greats have evolved from the ever improving MLS to become stars in England. Let’s take a look at the 8 best American Premier League players of all time.

8. Claudio Reyna

Although he spent his prime in the Bundesliga, Reyna certainly made his mark in England in a career limited by injuries and starts off our list of best American Premier League players. After four years with Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg, followed by a stint at Rangers, Reyna had spells with  Sunderland and Manchester City.

Reyna was known as the original “Captain America” before Christian Pulisic came along. He became one of the best American soccer players of all time for the USMNT with his exceptional technique and calmness on the ball.

As a midfielder, Reyna showed off his swift skills in 105 matches in the Premier League. He scored 7 goals and 4 assists and was a solid performer defensively with all-around skill.

7. Carlos Bocanegra

Carlos Bocanegra played five seasons in the Premier League at Fulham. Bocanegra earned over 100 caps and was captain of the United States team for six years. During his time in London he was club captain, and combined his leadership abilities with his excellent defensive skills.

One of the greatest American defenders of all time, the ever-durable and reliable centre-back made 115 Premier League appearances, and still managed to knock in 8 goals from the back.

6. Geoff Cameron

Cameron’s longevity and versatility is the main reason he’s ahead of Bocanegra and Reyna. In his six seasons with Stoke City, Cameron totaled over 13,500 minutes where he played at either center back, right back or in central midfield.

Few players have the poise that Cameron possessed when in control of the ball, and this quality perfectly compliments his defensive game.

Cameron was extremely composed under pressure and wasn’t phased with passing the ball from out the back. In his 168 games with Stoke, he managed 34 clean sheets, two goals and four assists.

5. Christian Pulisic

In 2022/23 Pulisic appeared in his fourth season for Chelsea and is already considered one of the best American Premier League players of all time. At the end of the 2021/22 season he had appeared in 76 games, scored 19 goals and 8 assists.

American players aren’t typically known for their attacking ability. Most are known for their defense, whether in midfield, at the back, or as a goalkeeper. However, Pulisic has separated himself from this group and is known for his crafty on-ball skill, speed, scoring ability, and ability to create chances for others.

By the age of 23, Pulisic is already one of Chelsea’s best attackers. If the young star can keep up his phenomenal play in the Premier League, there’s no doubt he’ll end up finishing his career as the best American Premier League player in history.

4. Brian McBride

Brian McBride spent the majority of his time in England at Fulham and he didn’t let the club down. At his time at Craven Cottage he tallied 32 goals from 148 games and they always retained their status as a Premier League club whilst he was there.

In the 2006-07 season, McBride led Fulham in both goals and assists. He was a fan favourite and was given the captaincy the next season, becoming the first American to become captain in the league.

McBride certainly left his mark at Fulham with the level of commitment he showed for the club. He was awarded the Club’s Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008. The McBride’s Bar inside Craven Cottage has also been named in his honour.

3. Tim Howard

Tim Howard first joined the Premier League with Man United, where he had two decent seasons. He then left for Everton on loan initially, followed by a permanent deal where he’d call Goodison Park home for the next 10 years.

His first three years with the club were particularly outstanding with a save percentage of 80% or better. In his last seven seasons his save percentage dropped below 70%.

Howard finished up just one game shy of 400 games in the league and kept an impressive 132 clean sheets. He also scored a remarkable 100-yard goal against Bolton and ends up as the third best American Premier League player of all time on our list.

2. Clint Dempsey

Before Pulisic, there was Clint Dempsey. Dempsey showed the world that America could produce elite offensive talent for the Premier League.

Out of his eight seasons in the Premier League, seven were spent with Fulham (yes, Fulham loves Americans!) where he would become a club legend. Dempsey led the team in goals multiple times and even led Fulham in assists during a season.

He was awarded back-to-back Player of the Year Awards in the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons for the club. Dempsey finished his Premier League career with 57 goals and 19 assists from 218 appearances and is the second best ever American soccer player for the USMNT behind only Landon Donovan.

1. Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel struck the perfect balance between superb play and longevity, and tops the list of best American Premier League players of all time. He spent more time in the Premier League than any other American spending 16 seasons with Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa, and Tottenham.

Like Tim Howard, Friedel also had 3 seasons posting a save percentage of 80% or better. Friedel however never experienced the steep decline that Howard did.

Friedel used his 6ft 3in frame, immense wingspan and great athleticism to save well over 70% of shots until he hit the age 38. He played in an American record 450 Premier League games and kept 132 clean sheets and earns himself the title of best American Premier League player of all time.  

Matt Ieriko

Matt Ieriko is a freelance writer who’s evolved his lifelong passion for sport into the creation of WolfgangSport.com in 2020 – an American sports blog covering the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and more. As an Australian, he’s always been fascinated with the cultural differences and global significance of sports in America.

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