Premier League Team Of The Decade 2000-2010

This has been the decade in which the Premier League's brand building has come good. The early years bore little fruit on the world stage, but now, the money is rolling in and the football is a force to be reckoned with.

English clubs currently set the marker in European competition, both tactically and technically, with many other clubs having to follow their blueprint to keep pace.

This is, in no small part, due to the squad depth afforded by the top clubs in England, not to mention their consistent acquisition of top coaches and, perhaps post-Mourinho Chelsea notwithstanding, sticking by their man.

On top of that, it might also be worth mentioning the absolutely outstanding players to take into account, as well. Only two managed to win the Ballon d'Or - one of whom doesn't even make the XI - but this has been a league saturated with stars; a trend that, regardless of Real Madrid's Nuevo Galacticos, only looks like continuing in the decade to come.

Formation: 3-5-2

Shay Given (Newcastle United & Manchester City)

The only player to make the grade that has never played for one of the 'big four', but he has played in the Champions League. Yes, it was closer to the beginning of the decade, back when Newcastle weren't ... well, in the Championship ... but Shay Given has been nothing short of outstanding all decade.

Some have even gone as far as to declare him the best goalkeeper in the world, which is perhaps an accolade too far, but his consistent heroics, outstanding shot-stopping and leadership have been enough to see him past the likes of Petr Cech (due in part to his unfortunate injury).

His loyalty to Newcastle proved finite right towards the end of the decade, when they approached their ultimate low and Manchester City, with their party-crashing ambitions and promises of greatness, proved too great a lure to resist. His performances haven't let up - already proving a hero in vain in the failed UEFA Cup campaign - but his aim now will simply be to get back into the Champions League before hanging up his gloves.

Rio Ferdinand (West Ham United, Leeds United & Manchester United)

One of several outstandingly talented English talents from the West Ham youth system, Rio made the switch to a high-flying Leeds side at the beginning of the decade for a mammoth £18m, a British transfer record, when he was still just 21. And a defender.

The last thing Leeds would have been expecting was to make almost a 40 per cent profit after just two seasons. He got even better, and fast, before Manchester United broke the British transfer record for a second time, and also saw Rio overtake the legendary Lilian Thuram to become the most expensive defender in the world for a second time.

And now, after seven seasons at Old Trafford, he has done it all. Following the decline of legendary Italian duo, Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta, Rio became considered by many to be the best centre-back in the world on his way to leading the Red Devils and then lifting the Champions League in 2008, completing his journey to the pinnacle of club football off the back of skilful, effortless, yet athletic and domineering defending.



Sol Campbell (Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal & Portsmouth)

Something of a forgotten man since joining Portsmouth in 2006, it cannot be forgotten what an incredible defender Sol Campbell was in his prime. Having already made his name as one of the best defenders in the country in the previous decade with Spurs, he was being courted by Barcelona, no less, before controversially opting instead to join Arsenal, reigniting the bitter local rivalry that needed no reignition.

Let that not detract from his simply incredible performances for the Gunners during his five seasons with the club. He was part of the Invincibles side, winning two Premier Leagues and three FA Cups, and of course scoring in a Champions League final, his final ever game for the club, that was to end in defeat.

Even when labelled past it when joining Portsmouth at the age of 30, he has upheld a marked level of consistency, even if he was eventually ousted from the national team by John Terry. Sol has rarely looked short of class, and testimony to his influence is that Arsenal have yet to truly replace his calming and confident presence at the back.



John Terry (Chelsea)

For fun, I was half-way tempted to add Manchester City, with a little question mark, to the club in brackets above, but we all know that just wouldn't be right. John Terry is the first of three one-club men to make it into this list, and it would take a brave man, despite the speculation and despite his silence, to bet against him finishing his career as one.

He rose through the ranks at Chelsea as an archetypal die-hard English defender and carved himself a real niche as one of the best of his kind out there. Elegance and grace he might not have in abundance, but his bottomless reserve of determination and energy have always led him to success.

Now 28, Terry is captain of his club and country, with the only major blight in his career being a slip on the soaking wet Moscow turf that sent an otherwise perfect penalty - that had wrong-footed Edwin van der Sar - six inches too wide, off the post and out. It would have won the Champions League, completing Terry's club trophy haul. He remains determined to bounce back, and continues to be one of the most consistent, match-saving defenders in the league.



Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

The first player in the XI to have gone abroad - there are three more - but none managed it with quite such a level of accompanying awe-inspiring media coverage. Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in the Premier League just 18 years of age still skilful but erratic, and left probably the most complete attacking player in the world, for an all-time record-smashing £80m, to his boyhood club, Real Madrid.

The way in which United, kings of English football, were made to feel small by the Portuguese did his local reputation few favours, and nor did his perceived persona as an arrogant superstar, but his performances eventually won over everyone in the league, the country and grudgingly, the world.

Having narrowly missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Kaka in 2007, he ran away with it in 2008, following that 42-goal season - all this after the World Cup winking allegations had threatened to cut short his United career. His desire to be the best and incredible work ethic allowed him to get there. He won it all, was absolutely instrumental the whole way, and left on top - just as he will have wanted.



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Who's The Next number 7 in Manchester United Squad?

The successors to Cristiano Ronaldo's throne go under the microscope

Cristiano Ronaldo's exit to Real Madrid has robbed Manchester United of some midfield magic and left seven candidates for his legendary number seven shirt.

Current incumbent Michael Owen is sidelined by injury, while the advancing years of veteran Ryan Giggs has robbed Manchester United of a spell-binding winger.

Press reports have centred on Valencia striker David Villa filling the gap. The vacuum on the left wing is a bigger priority and the spot for the next Old Trafford superstar to emerge from.

While £17 million signing Antonio Valencia has blossomed on the right, a revolving door is spinning on the opposite flank. Nani, Park Ji-Sung and Giggs have all been used without any of them cementing their place.

For Giggs, age has taken away his turbo-boosted turn of speed, while Park has excelled in central midfield and Nani is a natural right-footer.

The 'Welsh wizard' is likely to bring down the curtain on his time at Old Trafford at the end of next season and can now be found in the middle of the pitch. At the top of United's transfer agenda for the summer is the acquisition of a natural left-footed winger happy to hug the touchline.

Goal.com UK studied the seven left-sided wide men in contention to don the mystical number seven jersey and counted them down by suitability...

7) - Joe Cole, 28, Chelsea

Strong favourite, but injury record could make him another Michael Owen

Why: "Despite being feted as a prodigy from a young age, since joining Chelsea he has always been willing to adapt his natural game. He's now a well-rounded player with a great eye for a defence-splitting pass. He's not naturally left-sided but has played very well there for England. He is good with both feet in close quarters, but his crossing is much stronger with the right foot and he prefers to cut inside rather than head for the byline."

Why not: "Unfortunately this season he has been derailed by a knee injury that kept him out for nine months of 2009. He has struggled for chances under Carlo Ancelotti and consequently his confidence is a little low. Fabio Capello has remarked that Cole "isn't the player I remember" this season, and he will need to put in a few sparkling performances to convince Chelsea (or another big club) he is worth a sizeable contract."

Estimated transfer value: "Out of contract at the end of the season, he'll be available for free if United are to sign him. With the birth of his first child last week, he will likely be looking for long-term security in the summer if he is to move away from London."

Likelihood rating: - Cole has starred in the Premier League for more than a decade, and with budgets tightening at Old Trafford, a move for him would please the money men.

6) - David Silva, 24, Valencia

Lightweight Spaniard has pedigree but is more comfortable in the middle

Why: "David Silva is a brilliant combination of a playmaker and a winger. This is thanks to his vision and ability to thread the most delicate of Xavi-esque passes, as well as his outstanding ball control, pace and trickery which allow him to hug the touchline. His versatility is also one of his key attributes as he can slot in effortlessly on either flank, in the 'hole', or as a second striker. He has an excellent left-foot, whether it's for shooting or crossing - although he prefers to keep things on the ground - and he's also comfortable on the ball with both feet."

Why not: "Silva isn't the biggest or strongest of players physically and he has a tendency to go down quite easily. The pace and direct approach of the English game could also be a problem, as he sometimes lingers on the ball to pick the perfect defence-splitting pass. Communication and language could also be a problem as the highlight of Silva's game is his almost telepathic understanding with his team-mates."

Estimated transfer value: "With a contract that runs until 2013, Silva is currently valued at around £27 million, a very reasonable figure for a versatile attacker who's only 24 years old."

Likelihood rating: - Has impressed Sir Alex Ferguson on international stage, and even though he isn't a natural winger, the manager views him as the answer.

5) - Balazs Dzsudzsak, 23, PSV Eindhoven

Lack of experience holds Hungarian back from the top of the list

Why: "Balazs Dzsudzsak is a great player. Because of his attributes, PSV are still in the race for the Eredivisie title. His biggest quality is his eye for goal. He has scored many times from long range and has a Beckham-like ability to hit free kicks. Dzsudzsak is very fast as well and makes many goals from the left wing. He can pass and shoot with his left and right feet."

Why not: "Problems have started for him after he threatened to leave PSV if the team doesn't qualify for the Champions League football next season. The PSV-fans like him, but he is a controversial player all over the country because of his arrogant attitude. He is a good player but he needs to become calmer. Dzsudzsak could be useful for United but I would advise their scouts to come back next summer when he is more experienced."

Estimated transfer value: "I would estimate Dzsudzsak would cost £12 million. He is still young and yet to prove himself on the international stage."

Likelihood rating: - United are looking for the finished article after experimenting with Nani, and the PSV man doesn't fit this bill.

4) - Franck Ribery, 26, Bayern Munich

Massive price-tag and roaming role hampers Frenchman's suitability

Why: "Ribery is a creative offensive midfielder who likes to play on the wings. In fact, he has the qualities of a traditional number 10, but doesn't play to his best in the centre. His favourite side is the left, although his right foot is his strongest. His skills with his left are good, but he isn't as two-footed as Robben. When he reaches the base line he loves to give sharp passes into the penalty area or even try to score himself."

Why not: "Especially after injury breaks, Ribery has failed to shine. This season he has been injured quite often and wasn't as important for Munich as he was during the last two seasons when he was outstanding. He also grew up in problematic circumstances, can be a diva and gives provocative interviews when he wants to force things."

Estimated transfer value: "Bayern rejected a £60 million bid from Real Madrid last summer but he is certainly worth less now. I would say £40 million."

Likelihood rating: - Huge price tag and loss of form could put Ferguson off making another approach for the former Marseille man.

3) - Arjen Robben, 26, Bayern Munich

Balsa wood made Dutchman no fit for Ferguson's squad

Why: "Robben is a sympathetic guy, no star attitude, not one for scandals or provocative interviews. He is a weapon for every team as a winger. I compare his playing style to Marc Overmars as he is naturally two-footed on the ball, plays in the national team on the left (his original side) and at Bayern on the right side. He has the individual class to decide matches by himself, but also is a team player."

Why not: "A factor against him is his injury record. In Spain they gave him the nickname "Glass Arjen." He compares himself to a Formula One car, if one little detail goes wrong when you're at high-speed, it has a big effect on the car. He is also very happy in Munich and has just welcomed the birth of his second child."

Estimated transfer value: "Robben's value has increased in Munich and I would say he is worth £25 million."

Likelihood rating: - Injury record, suspect temperament and spurning of Ferguson's advances in the past make this a non-starter.

2) - Juan Manuel Vargas, 26, Fiorentina

Emerging Peruvian requires more time to prove left wing credentials

Why: "Juan Manuel Vargas has matured into one of the most important players for his national and international sides. He has great pace, speed and aggression, but his best asset is his left foot. I believe in this moment he is one of the best left wingers in the world. His shots are always powerful and precise and he is dangerous from free kicks. In Italy, he's very famous also for his dangerous crosses that often create trouble for the opponents' defence."

Why not: "If Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to find a new Roberto Carlos, it's not Vargas. He could be a very offensive full-back but he's very poor when asked to defend. Vargas has also been a great surprise this year as he has moved from defence to attack and has only emerged as a great player this season."

Estimated transfer value: "Some weeks ago rumours about his contract renewal with Fiorentina talked about a release clause fee of £22 million. It's a realistic price for his ability and fact he is 26-years old."

Likelihood rating: - The Peruvian will not have landed on Ferguson's radar even after a stellar first campaign on the left wing.

1) - Angel Di Maria, 22, Benfica

Starring role against Everton proves Argentine international is worth a punt

Why: "Di Maria makes most of his moves with his left foot, is extremely gifted, and even when he cuts inside from the left wing he prefers using it rather than his right foot, which is not nearly as good as the left. His crossing and passing are both very good, but the best thing about him is his technique as he can easily move past defenders and create space in the area. When motivated, he is extremely good and an absolute nightmare for defenders. I don’t recall him ever picking up any serious injury, I would say only a few minor knocks that take a few days at most to recover from."

Why not: "Considering he is one of Benfica’s most attacking players, Di Maria is not great at scoring goals. He has only netted 12 goals in the three years he has been at the Estadio da Luz. When he is given the opportunity from close range he isn't ruthless enough. The worst thing about him is his composure and concentration. If he is not motivated, or if he does not start the game well, he feels such pressure to perform that he can’t deliver."

Estimated transfer value: "He currently has a contract until 2015, with a £35 million clause attached to it, but I would value the transfer at £22-27 million."

Likelihood rating: - Starting spot for Argentina and Europa League dismantling of Everton has Di Maria on Ferguson's shopping list.

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Arsenal Team of Decade 2000-2010

BY : GRAHAM LISTER
Formation: 4-4-2

David Seaman (1990-2003)

Superb throughout the '90s, Seaman maintained his consistency into the first three years of the noughties, and while Jens Lehmann replaced him with some distinction, 'Safe Hands' was far more unflappable, devoid of the German's eccentricities and aversion to crowded goalmouths. Seaman's save from Paul Peschisolido in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final defied both gravity and anatomy, and encapsulated his immense value to the team.

Lauren (Laureano Bisan Etame-Mayer) (2000-2007)

Succeeding an Arsenal legend in Lee Dixon was never going to be easy, yet Lauren, the Cameroon international midfielder signed from Mallorca and successfully converted to a right-back, achieved it with minimal fuss. His blend of positional sense, enterprise and aggression made him an integral part of the Arsenal defence in two title-winning campaigns.

Sol Campbell (2001-2006)

Campbell's free transfer to Arsenal from arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2001 earned him eternal damnation from Spurs fans - and instant cult status among Gooners. It helped that he was an outstanding centre-back of awesome power whose arrival added strength and solidity to the back-line alongside Tony Adams or Martin Keown, culminating in the Double in his first season at Highbury. Later partnering Kolo Toure, Campbell helped ensure the Gunners remained unbeaten when lifting the title again in 2003-04. His last game for the club was the 2006 Champions League final, in which he scored.

Kolo Toure (2002 - )

Now the longest-serving player on Arsenal's books, the versatile Toure had the task of becoming Campbell's central defensive partner after such luminaries as Adams and Keown bowed out. With natural athleticism he made a brilliant fist of it, becoming a key member of the Invincibles and, in 2005-06 alongside Philippe Senderos, producing imperious form as Arsenal reached the Champions League Final on the back of a record 10 consecutive clean sheets. Hailed as the 'African Fabio Cannavaro' by the Italian press after Arsenal knocked out Juventus, the former utility player had established himself as one of the world's leading centre-backs.

Ashley Cole (1997-2006)

The acrimonious nature of Cole's departure from Arsenal soured forever his relationship with the club's fans, but that should not obscure the fact that from the time he replaced the injured Sylvinho in Autumn 2000 until his money-tainted move to Chelsea, he was an automatic pick at left-back, a position whose Highbury lineage stretched with great distinction from Eddie Hapgood to Nigel Winterburn. Gael Clichy runs him close, but Cole, who won two titles and three FA Cups as a Gunner, shades it.

Freddie Ljungberg (1998-2007)

For much of the first half of the decade, Ljungberg was a key member of the Arsenal side, a team-player whose intelligent diagonal runs across the edge of the opposition penalty area dovetailed perfectly with Dennis Bergkamp's sublime passes. Freddie's annus mirabilis was the 2001-02 season when, sporting a distinctive red stripe in his hair, he scored in five consecutive League games as Arsenal closed in on the title, then netted a stunner in Cardiff to clinch the FA Cup. Those six goals were among 72 he scored for the club.

Patrick Vieira (1996-2005)

Appropriately, Vieira's last kick for the Gunners was the winning penalty in the 2005 FA Cup final shoot-out against the old enemy Manchester United; but for nine seasons prior to that his contribution was immense as he imposed himself on midfield, providing the platform on which his team-mates could express themselves. A marvellously athletic mix of power and panache, Vieira was an awesome tackler whose ball-winning launched countless Arsenal counter-attacks. A fiery temperament got him into trouble but ensured that few took liberties against the Gunners, making him exactly the sort of player they need now.

Cesc Fabregas (2003 - )

The latest inheritor of Vieira's armband, Cesc has been the creative fulcrum of the Arsenal side for the last four seasons, and the frustration is that so gifted a midfielder has been unable as yet to add to his 2005 FA Cup winner's medal. With the vision of an artist and the touch of a safe-breaker, the Catalan playmaker has piled up the assists but needs to add to his goal tally; 13 in 2007-08 was by far his best return, but he managed only three in an injury-blighted campaign last season.

Robert Pires (2000-2006)

The Frenchman of Portuguese and Spanish descent had a deceptively shuffling gait that disguised a brilliant footballing brain. Pires fitted in perfectly with the likes of Vieira, Bergkamp and Thierry Henry, and while he was a superb playmaker, particularly when coming in from the left-wing, his goalscoring was also exceptional for a midfielder. He contributed 84 goals in 284 appearances, and many Arsenal fans feel he should have been offered the two-year contract extension he wanted in 2006, which would have kept him at the club a little longer and provided some vital continuity and experience.

Dennis Bergkamp (1995-2006)

One of the greatest of all Gunners, Bergkamp was the Dutch master with a sumptuous array of skills, who scored 120 goals for the team but created many more for others with the perception and deft touch of a football genius. His goal at Newcastle in 2002 was a work of art and he was intimately identified with all of Wenger's triumphs.

Thierry Henry (1999-2007)

Converted by Wenger from a decent winger to a world-beating striker, Henry electrified the Premier League for eight memorable seasons, becoming Arsenal's all-time leading scorer in the process with 226 goals in 370 appearances. Combined brilliantly with Bergkamp and Pires, but had the invention, the blistering pace and the cool finishing to fashion goals out of nothing for himself and others, as well as finish those flowing team-moves with irresistible aplomb.

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Liverpool Team of Decade 2000-2010

BY : MIKE MAGUIRE
Formation : 4-2-2-2

Pepe Reina (2005-)

Benitez hailed Pepe as the best goalkeeper in Spain when he plucked him from Villarreal. Some scoffed, but since his arrival at Anfield, the Barcelona product has firmly established himself as one of the world's finest shot-stoppers. Noted for his sweeping and distribution skills, Reina is easily the best 'Pool have had between the sticks since Bruce Grobbelaar.



Steve Finnan (2003-2008)

Brought from Fulham by Houllier, the Irishman struggled somewhat during his early days at the club. However, he survived the Benitez cull and saw off competition from several continental recruits to become arguably the most consistent right-back in England.



Jamie Carragher (1996-)

In the Benitez era, 'Carra' has evolved from a handy utility into a central defender of immense quality. Uncompromising and hugely passionate, the Bootle boy is a proper leader and the commander of one of the most reliable defensive lines in Europe.



Sami Hyypia (1999-2009)

Pound for pound, the big Finn must be one of Liverpool's all-time best buys - just over £2 million for a Kop legend is pretty decent value. Now at Bayern Leverkusen after a glorious decade at Anfield, Hyypia ranks among the greatest centre-halves to have played in the Premier League.



John Arne Riise (2001-2008)

His last years at Liverpool were not his finest, but that should not detract from the contribution he made in seasons prior. Boasting an explosive left foot, the Norwegian defender produced some of the most memorable strikes in the Reds' recent history. A clear standout for the left-back slot.



Dietmar Hamann (1999-2006)

He looks like an economics professor and drinks like a sailor on shore leave (if Jamie Carragher is to be believed), but 'Didi' is as tough and focused as they come when there is a game of football to be played. An absolute favourite with the Kop, and was instrumental in the 2005 Champions League win.



Xabi Alonso (2004-)

Alonso's arrival signalled the beginning of the 'Rafalution'. Although not the quickest around (indeed, he and Hamann were an almost torturously adynamic pairing at times), his technical qualities and unrivalled passing range have been making Kopites smile for the past five years.



Steven Gerrard (1998-)

No explanation needed. Life-long Liverpudlian, arch-captain, and the driving force behind an ever-improving team. One of those rare players who can win games (and trophies) off his own boot. Versatile to a fault, 'Stevie G' is the heart of the Liverpool Football Club.



Gary McAllister (2000-2002)

Houllier described 'Gary Mac' as his most inspirational signing - and he's probably right. Eyebrows were raised when he arrived at age 35 on a free transfer, but the Scot brought some much needed wisdom and creativity to a team that had previously lacked leadership and direction. A key member of the 2000-01 treble triumph.



Michael Owen (1996-2004)

He grew up an Evertonian (in Wales), left for Real Madrid in controversial circumstances, and now he's a Manc - safe to say, he's not the most popular ex-Red. Betrayal aside, nobody can dispute his record whilst at Anfield - he just scored goals, no matter who he was playing alongside or against.



Fernando Torres (2007-)

He's not been on Merseyside long, but 'El Nino' is already well on the way to becoming an all-time great. The Spaniard filled a gaping void that had existed since Owen's departure, and he could be the key in Liverpool's bid to break their title drought.


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