Top 5: Frenchmen to play in the Premier League

3. Patrick Vieira

At number three, we have one of the true Premier League greats, Patrick Vieira.

The combative midfielder was only 20-years-old when he made his move to the Premier League following a £3.5m transfer from AC Milan, but he quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.

Known for his tenacity and strength in both attack and defence, Vieira would play a big part in making Arsenal a force in English football. In his nine seasons with the club, Vieira would win the league on three occasions, whilst also winning the FA Cup and the Community Shield four times each.

On a personal level, he was also named in the PFA Team of the Year six times and the overall Team of the Decade for 1992/1993 – 2001/2002. He would also be named in the Premier League Team of the Season for 2000/2001, whilst also being chosen in the UEFA Team of the Year for 2001.

There are countless more accolades that the midfielder achieved, but it would be too time consuming to list them all.

On the international front, he would be an integral figure as he helped his side win the World Cup in 1998 and Euro 2000.

Overall, he would accumulate 452 appearances in English football, scoring 40 goals. He also represented his nation on 106 occasions, finding the net six times.

He will probably be most remembered for being part of one of the greatest rivalries in recent times (with Roy Keane), but he should be remembered for much more than that.

Vieira was truly an extraordinary footballer whose legacy will be etched on the Premier League for all time.