Welsh Premier League players of past and present

Who are the best Welsh Premier League of all time? Discover Welsh Premier League winners and which made the most appearances during their time in the league!

Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has been home to some of the best players from around the globe. But looking specifically at Welsh players, who’s been the best to play in England’s top flight?

Some of the most successful and skilful players to grace the league have been from Wales, topping the Premier League betting odds for multiple seasons. Let’s run through the best Welsh Premier League players of all time, discussing both past and present!

The best Welsh Premier League players over the years

Now, let’s delve into a list of the ten best Welsh Premier League players:

10. Joe Allen

Often nicknamed the ‘Welsh Pirlo’ and ‘Welsh Xavi’ by his manager Brendan Rodgers throughout his time at Swansea, Joe Allen was a dependable midfielder for the Swans after he helped them gain promotion to the Premier League in 2011.

After Rodgers moved to Liverpool, he brought Allen over to Merseyside where he was able to impress with his work rate. After four years at Anfield, he moved to Stoke in 2016, making almost 200 appearances in the Premier League.

9. Robbie Savage

A polarising character within English football, Robbie Savage was loved by fans of his team and despised by opposition fans due to his tenacious play style. He wasn’t always a footballer that was easy on the eye, but he was incredibly effective within his role.

Savage spent time at four different clubs throughout his Premier League career, including Leicester, Birmingham City, Blackburn, and Derby County, featuring in the Premier League for 11 years.

8. Neville Southall

Wales’ best-ever goalkeeper, Neville Southall, represented Everton for 17 years, playing for the club between 1981 and 1998. Though his prime came before the introduction of the Premier League, Southall still managed over 200 Premier League appearances.

The Welsh shot stopper had a great physical presence and was incredibly strong in one-on-one situations, helping to earn strong support from the Toffees’ fan base.

7. Craig Bellamy

Versatile attacker, Craig Bellamy, proved useful in all positions across the front line, whether it was on either wing or as a striker. Bellamy first built his reputation with Coventry City but also won fans over during spells at Newcastle, Blackburn, Liverpool, West Ham, Man City, and Cardiff, his hometown club.  

He was incredibly valuable to all the teams he featured for due to his remarkable work ethic and determination setting him apart.

6. Aaron Ramsey

Even though he had a career riddled with injuries, Aaron Ramsey still managed to show off his incredible talents. While he often struggled for consistent fitness, he showed a high level of creativity and an elite ability to read the game.

An important part of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal during the 2010s, Ramsey eventually left on a free to join Juventus in 2019.

5. Ian Rush

Despite being one of the best players in Liverpool’s history and one of the greatest strikers in England’s top flight, Rush’s peak came before the birth of the Premier League. If we take into account his career beforehand, he would undoubtedly be higher on the list, but by isolating his time in the Premier League alone he can’t push any further up the list.

Rush made appearances for Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle, making an impact at each of the clubs he featured for. Nicknamed ‘The Ghost’, he was known for sneaking up behind defenders and scoring goals unexpectedly – one of his many world-class abilities.

4. Gary Speed

Gone but not forgotten, Gary Speed was able to become known as one of the best Welsh Premier League players ever during his time in the division. Speed spent 16 years in England’s top flight, earning respect from many and even wearing the armband at club level and for his country.

He was an incredibly versatile player, featuring in both midfield and even at left back or left wing when required. Playing for Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, and Bolton Wanderers, Speed was a natural leader and always had a positive impact on Welsh football.

3. Mark Hughes

During the Premier League’s early years, Mark Hughes was one of the most important players for Manchester United. Hughes even became one of the few Welsh Premier League winners after claiming the title twice with the Red Devils before he left for Chelsea in 1995. Consistently, he was able to show up in high-pressure games and moments, standing out for his courage and resolve on the pitch.

The Welsh attacker also had spells at Southampton, Everton, and Blackburn, where he also thrived.

2. Gareth Bale

He may have began his career as a left back, but Gareth Bale became one of the most fearsome wingers in the world. Whether it was his electric pace, flair, or unparalleled finishing abilities, Bale was a nightmare for any opposition defence.

Joining Tottenham from Southampton in 2007, he remained at White Hart Lane for six years, with his final two seasons being his most unplayable. Eventually he was courted by Real Madrid and made a then-world record transfer for £85 million in 2013. Latterly, he spent a season on loan back at Spurs, where he formed a strong on-field relationship with fellow forwards Harry Kane and Heung Min Son.

1. Ryan Giggs

To nobody’s surprise, Ryan Giggs tops the list of the best Welsh Premier League players, having won a total of 13 league titles throughout his time at Manchester United. Spending time both on the wing and midfield, he demonstrated his speed and technical abilities that allowed him to breeze past defenders and either set up chances for teammates or score himself.

Rarely putting in a sub-par performance, Giggs was renowned for his consistency and dedication, playing for the club and in the Premier League for 22 seasons.

Giggs isn’t just one of the best Welsh Premier League players, but easily one of the best players the league has ever seen.

How many Welsh Premier League players have there been?

In total, there have been 135 Welsh Premier League players in history. This puts them just above other nations like Brazil (125), and just below the Netherlands (155), leaving them as the country with the seventh-most players to have played in England’s top flight.

Current Welsh players in the Premier League

Right now, there are 14 Welsh players currently playing in the Premier League, with the likes of Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu, Dan James, and Joe Rodon, Fulham’s Harry Wilson, and Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams being the most notable.

The Welsh Premier League players with the most appearances

Now we should take a look at the Welsh Premier League players with the most appearances, seeing which have shown the most longevity in the division:

*Still active

How many Welsh Premier League winners are there?

There have been five Welsh Premier League winners so far, with Ryan Giggs being the most prominent after winning 13. Second on the list is Mark Hughes with two titles, followed by Clayton Blackmore with one, Andy King with one, and Neco Williams with one.