Over 50 Americans have starred in the Premier League since its inception in the early 1990s, with several enjoying success on the big stage for well over a decade.
If you are a huge football fan, then chances are you’ll recognise all five names on this list and a couple of these icons impacted football betting for several years.
Here, we look at the greatest American footballers to grace England’s top flight. From a top class goalkeeper to the United States’ record goal scorer, both ends of the pitch are covered.
Carlos Bocanegra
What a defender. Twice named MLS Defender of the Year before signing for Fulham in 2004, Carlos Bocanegra is widely regarded as one of the classiest defensive players to represent the United States men’s national team.
He earned 110 international caps during his career and he was a fan favourite during his four-and-a-half year tenure at Craven Cottage, making 113 appearances and constantly putting his body on the line.
He was a huge threat going forward as well, scoring five goals for the Cottagers during the 2006/07 campaign. Only Brian McBride (more on him shortly) scored more goals than Bocanegra that season...
Tim Howard
An instant success at Old Trafford, Tim Howard helped Manchester United to FA Cup glory in his first season at the club. In addition, he earned a spot in the 2003/04 PFA Team of the Season and he was an instant hit with supporters.
His Red Devils career ended on a slightly sour note but when that door closed, another opened at Goodison Park and Howard quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s elite goalkeepers with Everton.
He played a key role for the Toffees throughout his time at the club and he’ll be forever remembered as one of Everton’s greatest goalkeepers in the modern era.
Brian McBride
A cult hero, Brian McBride was a pillar of consistency throughout his Premier League career and he was a hit throughout his time in England, thriving for Preston North End, Everton and Fulham.
He played just eight games during a loan spell at Goodison Park but scored four goals in eight matches during that time and he is best remembered for his exploits at Fulham, with the American taking centre stage at Craven Cottage.
He scored over 40 goals in four-and-a-half years in west London and was twice named as Fulham’s Player of the Year. Underrated but never underappreciated, McBride was a key cog for the Cottagers.
Brad Friedel
Fans of a certain age will recall Brad Friedel’s exploits at Blackburn Rovers and I’d rank him as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever goalkeepers. On his day, he was an unbelievable shot-stopper and a cut above his peers.
He failed to hold down the number one jersey at Liverpool but really shone during his time at Ewood Park, helping Blackburn to League Cup success in his 2001/02 before recording more clean sheets than any other top flight goalkeeper in 2002/03.
He was an ever-present for Blackburn before ending his Premier League career with three years at Aston Villa and his place as one of the greatest United States players to grace England’s top flight is guaranteed.
Clint Dempsey
Undoubtedly one of the best bits of business in Premier League history, Fulham moved to sign Clint Dempsey from MLS side New England Revolution for an estimated £2.5 million and that is some bargain given his achievements for club and country.
A lethal goal-scorer from midfield, Dempsey was central to the club’s success over the years and his impact helped Fulham to reach the Europa League final in 2009/10 - he is undoubtedly the club’s greatest player in the modern era.
Dempsey earned 141 international caps and scored 60 goals in 223 games for Fulham, notching 23 in his final season at Craven Cottage before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2012.
*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Adobe*
