Mikel Obi ignores Ronaldo, Drogba, Lampard, Salah, names EPL's best

Posted : 06 February 2025

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has named Thierry Henry, the legendary French forward, as the best player in Premier League history. In a league full of remarkable talents, Henry stands out for his overall impact on the game, according to Mikel, who made his opinion clear on the Obi One Podcast. While there have been many greats, Mikel believes Henry's ability and consistency during his peak years make him the top choice for the honor.

Over the years, players like Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Mohamed Salah have all been considered for the title of the Premier League’s greatest. Shearer’s record of 260 goals makes him the all-time top scorer, while Ronaldo’s achievements in a shorter spell have left a lasting impression. For Chelsea fans, Drogba, Lampard, and John Terry, who played key roles in the club's success, also often come to mind as some of the league's finest.

Mikel also acknowledged the exceptional contributions of Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool winger who has been a key figure for the club since his arrival. Salah’s impressive tally of 178 goals and 82 assists in the Premier League has secured his place as one of the league's best, and his consistency over the years has added to his case. However, Mikel does not believe Salah’s accomplishments are enough to put him at the very top of the Premier League’s all-time rankings.

Mikel Obi, having played alongside top talents like Drogba, Lampard, and Terry, and against players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, has seen firsthand the abilities of some of the league's greatest. Despite this, he still believes that Henry’s overall game makes him stand out. According to Mikel, it’s not just about the numbers, but the way Henry dominated the league, both mentally and physically, during his peak years.

Mikel made it clear that, while Salah has been brilliant, especially in his current form, he doesn’t think Salah can be considered the greatest Premier League player when comparing his game to Henry’s. Mikel mentioned that Salah has indeed improved in terms of confidence, physical strength, and his overall presence on the pitch, but Henry’s all-around abilities, including his flair and technical skill, put him ahead.

For Mikel, Thierry Henry’s influence on the Premier League during his time at Arsenal is unmatched. Henry was a complete player with exceptional skills on the ball and the ability to score in every way possible. His dominance over the course of 2-3 years in the Premier League is what places him above others in Mikel’s eyes, making him the standout choice as the best player to ever grace England's top league.

Mikel Obi’s own career with Chelsea, where he won multiple trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, gives him a unique perspective on the qualities of top-tier players. Having shared the field with numerous legendary figures, Mikel’s admiration for Henry's quality and impact on the Premier League is a testament to the Frenchman's footballing brilliance.

Mikel Obi ignores Ronaldo, Drogba, Lampard, Salah, names EPL's best

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