Clubs like Llandudno Football Club are an integral part of their local communities, but they perhaps aren’t always the best destinations for some of Wales’ most talented players to develop, given the level they’re operating at. As such, many Welsh stars with huge potential have always tended to ply their trade in England, with English football’s top flight housing some of Wales’ most iconic footballers from over the years.
Even today, there are a number of Welsh stars shining for some of English football’s most historic clubs. For example, Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson are two of Tottenham’s most important players, with the latter finding the back of the net on numerous occasions already. Additionally, there’s a reason why clubs like Fulham are being priced at 13/8 to finish in the top half when assessing the Premier League odds, and it’s due to players like Harry Wilson contributing to their notable improvement under Marco Silva. Likewise, Neco Williams is a key part of Forest’s improved fortunes, while Wes Burns is a player Ipswich fans adore.
While the aforementioned Welsh players are doing it in the modern era, Wales is also responsible for producing some true Premier League icons from yesteryear. These professionals have won Premier League titles, scored an array of stunning goals, and have remained at the highest level, which makes them go down as some of the best Welsh players in Premier League history.
Ian Rush is a Liverpool legend
Although Ian Rush’s goals were scored at a time when England’s top flight was known as the English First Division, he still makes the cut as it was technically still the best domestic league in the country at the time. For Liverpool, Rush was a formidable goal machine, although he did also play for the likes of Leeds United and Newcastle United. Still, it was during his time at Anfield where Rush really turned it on, with the Wales hero scoring 346 goals for Liverpool in all competitions during his two spells at the club from 1980-1987 and 1988–1996. Although younger Liverpool fans won’t recall Ian Rush’s standout performances, more senior members of the Liverpool fanbase will tell you he’s the best striker the club has ever had. Make no mistake about it, Rush was a centre-forward who simply loved scoring goals, although his all-round natural ability on the ball was also evident.
Neville Southall is one of the Premier League’s finest-ever goalkeepers
There is a strong argument to suggest that the standard of goalkeepers these days isn’t as good as it used to be. When looking at the career of reliable presences like Neville Southall, it hammers that somewhat controversial view home even further. A beast between the sticks, Southall was far more agile than he looked, having excellent shot-stopping abilities and possessing a range of abilities that made him command his box perfectly. With 208 Premier League appearances and 63 clean sheets to his name, while mainly standing out for Everton, it’s fair to say Neville Southall is easily one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever goalkeepers.
Robbie Savage was a divisive character who gave his all
In terms of natural ability, Robbie Savage wasn’t the most elegant player, but he was a key cog for numerous sides during his time in the Premier League, given his all-action, combative style. Savage simply loved to engage in midfield battles and he did the ugly stuff so many sides from his time required. A true workhorse, while Savage’s style of play did tend to lead to some disciplinary issues over the years, his hard work was vitally important. With 346 appearances to his name, Savage had a solid career in the world’s biggest league, even managing to score 20 goals and register 12 assists along the way. From Leicester City to Blackburn Rovers, Savage was a player teams back then desperately needed, largely due to his ability to break up play and execute the occasional tactical foul. Robbie Savage will probably be remembered as a player who simply loved to accumulate yellow cards, but fans of the clubs he played for will tell you there was far more to his game than that.
Gary Speed was a consummate professional
There’s a reason why Gary Speed’s death will never be forgotten, and it’s because he was such a likeable professional who always gave his all on the pitch. Speed was good friends with the aforementioned Robbie Savage, with the pair playing together on numerous occasions for Wales. In terms of his impact in the Premier League, Gary Speed was versatile; he always relished a midfield scrap, and he had a wonderful left foot that was responsible for some huge moments in his career. Mainly standing out for the likes of Newcastle United and Leeds United, Gary Speed made 535 appearances in the Premier League, and he was a go-to captain for so many managers. Also contributing with 80 goals and 39 assists during his time in English football’s most famous competition, Gary Speed had a fantastic career.
Ryan Giggs won it all
Although the likes of Mark Hughes and Gareth Bale deserve a mention, Ryan Giggs’ achievements surpass them both. A Manchester United icon, Giggs is officially the most successful Welshman to have played Premier League football. He won 13 titles, he tormented right-backs on a weekly basis, and he was a joy to watch when in full flow. There aren’t many wingers around these days who possess the type of speed and power that Giggs had in his prime, while his longevity makes him even more special. Giggs went on to make an astonishing 632 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 108 goals and providing 163 assists in that time. In terms of Premier League and Manchester United legends, the Welsh wizard is right up there with the very best of them.
