Ranking the top five American players in Premier League history

These footballers earned a lot of respect for their continent while playing in the English top flight

The English Premier League is considered to be one of the most competitive and demanding football leagues in the world, attracting top talent from across the globe. Over the years, American players have also made their mark in the league, with some becoming household names and carving out successful careers.

These five players have left a lasting legacy in the English Premier League and have paved the way for future American players to make their mark in the league. Their contributions to the league are a testament to the quality and talent of American players.

Here, we take a look at the top five American players in the history of the English Premier League:

Clint Dempsey

Forget Premier League, Clint Dempsey is undoubtedly one of the greatest American players to lace up a pair of boots. The Texan-born forward spent six seasons in the league, playing for both Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, and scored a total of 57 goals in 218 appearances.

Dempsey's versatility and ability to score goals from anywhere on the pitch made him a valuable asset for both his club and country. He played a pivotal role in Fulham's historic run to the Europa League final in 2010, scoring important goals in the process. His performances in the league earned him a move to Tottenham Hotspur, where he continued to impress with his goal-scoring prowess.

Clint Dempsey cemented his status as an icon at Craven Cottage, not only for his unforgettable goal against Juventus but also for his remarkable achievement of winning consecutive Fulham Player of the Year awards.

Brad Friedel

Brad Friedel is another American goalkeeper who made a name for himself in the English Premier League. The Ohio-born shot-stopper spent a total of 17 seasons in the league, playing for Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur, and making a total of 450 appearances.

Friedel's longevity and consistency made him a reliable presence in goal for his clubs, earning him a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation. He was also known for his vocal leadership on the pitch, helping to organize his defense and keep his team motivated.

Friedel's longevity was unmatched, the American goalkeeper still holds the record for the most number of consecutive appearances in the Premier League with 310 consecutive outings to his name.

Tim Howard

Tim Howard is arguably the most successful American goalkeeper to have played in the English Premier League. The New Jersey-born shot-stopper spent a decade in the league, playing for Manchester United and Everton, and making a total of 399 Premier League appearances.

Although he is remembered for his memorable goal for the Toffees, it was Tim Howard's unwavering presence as a goalkeeper that earned him a special place in the hearts of supporters. Throughout his tenure at Goodison, Howard exemplified the club's positive qualities and their ability to compete with the top teams in the league.

Howard's shot-stopping abilities, reflexes, and leadership skills made him a valuable asset for both his club and country. He was a key player for Everton during his time at the club, helping them reach the FA Cup final in 2009 and securing a top-four finish in the league in 2005.

Brian McBride

Brian McBride is the final player on our list of the top five American players in the history of the English Premier League. The Illinois-born forward spent four seasons in the league, playing for Fulham and Everton, and scoring a total of 33 goals in 140 appearances. These numbers definitely don't do justice to the impact the American star had at Craven Cottage.

McBride was known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and ability to hold up the ball, making him a valuable target man for his teams. He played a key role in Fulham's historic run to the Europa League final in 2010, scoring important goals along the way.

Claudio Reyna

Claudio Reyna is another American player who left a lasting impact on the English Premier League. The New Jersey-born midfielder played for Sunderland, and Manchester City during his time in the league, amassing a total of 105 appearances.

Reyna was known for his technical ability, vision, and passing range, making him a key player for his club and country. He was also a versatile player, capable of playing in multiple positions in midfield. Reyna's performances in the league earned him a reputation as one of the best American players of his generation.