If you’re a fan of English top flight football, you’ll definitely remember the 1990s and most of the Premier league goals from the greatest players. It was a decade that saw the inception of the Premier League and brought us some of the greatest talents the game has ever seen. You witnessed fierce rivalries, remarkable goals, and unforgettable moments that have been etched into the annals of football history. We’re taking you back to that golden era of premier league footballers, as we count down the top five Premier League players of the 1990s. From Ryan Giggs’ wizardry on the wings for Man United, to Roy Keane’s commanding presence, Dennis Bergkamp’s artistic brilliance, Alan Shearer’s lethal goal-scoring prowess, and Eric Cantona’s magnetic influence, these players left an indelible mark.
So, if you are a football fan of the league cup, relive the nostalgia, and let’s delve into the careers of greatest Premier league footballers of the early 90s90s winning the Premier league title and the Champions league final victory.
5. Ryan Giggs (Man United)
Giggs wasn’t just a player, he was United’s heartbeat in the ’90s. His lightning speed and pinpoint crosses redefined what it meant to be a winger. The Welshman was a phenomenon on the pitch, tearing down the touchline with a grace and agility that was a pure delight to watch. His performance in Premier league games wasn’t just about speed, it was about precision. This quality allowed him to average a goal or an assist every two games throughout the decade. Remember the ’90s Giggs and his move to sir Alex Ferguson team Manchester united? Fast and relentless, he was one of the best defenders in the league to stay in the top flight and even helped Manchester united won the league Premier title and Fa cup.
But it wasn’t just his speed that made him dangerous – it was the way he crossed the ball, with deadly accuracy, that made him a true game-changer. And then there were his free-kicks, a spectacle in itself, giving United the luxury of choosing between his left foot and Beckham’s right. This ability to evolve, to metamorphose from a winger into a midfielder, further cemented Giggs’s place in football history and first season at the club. His longevity is admirable, but don’t forget: Giggs spent his years at Manchester united and was a player of rare talent, a shining star in a league of his own.
4. Roy Keane (Nottingham Forest, Man United)
Despite his fiery temper and grueling injuries, Roy Keane’s relentless determination and commanding presence on the pitch for Nottingham Forest and Man United were nothing short of awe-inspiring. He transformed into an icon of the game in the 1990s and spent his best years as a part of the Premier league campaigns. As a youngster, he was signed by Man United for a record fee after his stellar performance at Nottingham Forest. At the age of 21, he managed to play more league games in his first season than in any subsequent campaigns, a testament to his sheer dedication and stamina.
Part of the premier league club, Keane wasn’t just a player. He was a leader – an inspiration. He drove his United teammates with a work rate that was infectious, scoring crucial goals, and let’s not forget his distinct, bellowing style of leadership. His striking performance in Turin for the second leg of the 1999 Champions League semi-final is still regarded as legendary. Beyond his presence, Keane’s influence was also felt in his absence. When he was injured, it led to Scholes dropping back, giving birth to a stellar midfielder. Keane’s impact on the game, his team, and his era was truly profound.
3. Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)
You can’t talk about football in the 90s without acknowledging the sheer artistry and poise of Dennis Bergkamp at Arsenal. His game at the Arsene Wenger club in every Premier league match was like a well-executed ballet, graceful yet powerful. Bergkamp wasn’t just about scoring goals; he was a master of the assist. According to him, it was like solving a puzzle, predicting the game’s flow two or three seconds ahead. His play was a pleasure to watch, a blend of precision and creativity that left spectators and opponents alike in awe. Bergkamp’s contributions during Arsenal’s Double-winning season are legendary.
His premier league appearances weren’t just a star among stars. He was the guiding light that led the team to victory. His 27 goal contributions in 28 league games earned him the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards. But it wasn’t just about the numbers. He has been one of the best players that Premier league has ever seen. Bergkamp combined art with end-product in a way that was unprecedented. The pleasure he derived from assisting goals echoed his love for the game, a love that shone through every time he stepped onto the pitch. He was, without a doubt, one of the finest Premier League players of the 90s.
2. Alan Shearer (Blackburn, Newcastle United)
It’s hard not to be awestruck by the sheer audacity of Alan Shearer’s goal-scoring prowess during his time with Blackburn and Newcastle in the Premier league era. In just four years at Blackburn, the former Southampton sharpshooter netted a staggering 112 goals in 138 matches, helping secure the Premier League title. Despite a snapped ACL in his first season at Blackburn, Shearer’s scoring streak didn’t falter. Even at 22, in a new club, with a debilitating injury, he still managed to bang in 16 goals in just 21 games in the English premier league.
When he moved on to Newcastle, a torn ankle ligament forced him to adjust his game, yet he still maintained his remarkable scoring rate. Remember, this was a player who continued to find the back of the net regularly, even when his teams were only averaging seventh-place finishes. Over his Premier League career, Shearer amassed a mind-boggling 260 goals in 441 games for Blackburn and Newcastle. To put it simply, the man was a goal machine. Shearer’s record is indeed a testament to his sheer talent and indomitable spirit. It’s no wonder he’s considered one of the best Premier League players of the 1990s.
1. Eric Cantona (Leeds, Man United)
Remember Eric Cantona, the Frenchman who strutted into Manchester United’s locker room in 1992 and single-handedly transformed English football in the ’90s? When he arrived, United were languishing in eighth place, scoring fewer goals than two teams in the relegation zone. But Cantona, with his invigorating attitude and bold style of play, turned it all around. He’d drop deep, demand the ball, and then drive forward, either setting up his teammates or taking the glory himself – like with that audacious chip against Sunderland. There is no doubt that he is one of the Premier league’s greatest league footballers of the 90s.
Cantona was a force to be reckoned with – powerful, yet creative. He had a knack for scoring when it mattered most. Remember the spring of ’95/96? With Newcastle breathing down their necks, Cantona scored in six consecutive games, including a match-winning strike at Newcastle and a last-minute equaliser. He even bagged the only goal in the FA Cup final against Liverpool, sealing the Double for United. Cantona hung up his boots at Old Trafford when he was just 30. His United debut was in an invitational for Eusebio, and his last appearance? A testimonial for David Busst. Not exactly a fairy-tale ending, but hey, you can’t have it all. Later that year, United won the league title and fa cup.
Conclusion of the best Premier league players in the 1990s
So, you’ve journeyed through the Premier League’s finest of the ’90s. You’ve revisited the remarkable talents of Ryan Giggs, the unyielding grit of Roy Keane, and the artistry of Dennis Bergkamp. You’ve admired the goal-scoring prowess of Alan Shearer, and been captivated by the charisma and skill of Eric Cantona. It’s clear that these players not only shaped the ’90s, but they’ve also left an indelible mark on the beautiful game and made a Premier league history. Most of them returned to the Premier league after their first Premier league title and even helped their team for more future league success. Now, that’s what England’s top players in the early 90s are!
