The Premier League have recently announced their class of 2022, with names such as Peter Schmeichel, Vincent Kompany and Ian Wright being inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Created in 2021, the initiative was formed to honour those who have made the Premier League what it is today and to put the players who inspired an entire generation on a pedestal.
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With the next eight players set to be inducted next year, we look at five players who should be in consideration for a place in the Premier League Hall of Fame after the first two years of the programme’s existence.
Petr Cech (2004 – 2019 – Chelsea, Arsenal)
The all-time Premier League clean sheet holder, it’s quite incredible that Petr Cech hasn’t already been inducted into the Hall of Fame, with Schmeichel, so far, the only keeper to make the illustrious list.
A Chelsea legend who won four Premier League titles with the Blues before moving to Arsenal and helping the Gunners to and FA Cup and UEFA Europa League final, Cech is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the 21st century, and a sure-bet for the 2023 Hall of Fame.
Nemanja Vidic (2006 – 2014 – Manchester United)
A similar story to Cech, Nemanja Vidic not making the Premier League Hall of Fame before the likes of Kompany is an unusual outcome, to say the least. Yet the former Serbian international is highly likely to make the class next year.
One of Manchester United’s greatest ever captains and a two-time Premier League Player of the Season award, Vidic’s style of defending inspired an entire generation, and the Old Trafford legend will likely join Cech in the Hall of Fame next year.
Gareth Barry (1997 – 2018 – Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, West Bromwich Albion)
Gareth Barry might not be most people’s picks for a spot in the Premier League Hall of Fame, but as the league’s all-time appearance holder and a title-winner with Manchester City, the former England international is more than qualified to earn his place.
With 653 top-flight appearances to his name, Barry’s Premier League record will take some beating, and James Milner the only active player who could compete for this astonishing feat, the former Aston Villa star more than deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Gary Speed (1992 – 2008 – Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers)
Another member in the top-ten Premier League appearance holders, Gary Speed was both an icon of Leeds United and a player whose memory will live on for decades to come by those who had their lives changed forever by the great man.
His tragic death in 2011 rocked the footballing world, and as a fan favourite for the likes of Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers, Speed and his family deserve a place forever in the Premier League Hall of Fame for his impact on football in England, Wales and beyond.
Jermain Defoe (1999 – 2019 – West Ham, Tottenham (x2), Portsmouth, Sunderland, Bournemouth)
The Premier League record-holder for most goals scored as a substitute, Jermain Defoe’s recent retirement should put the Tottenham icon in with a chance of being placed in the Hall of Fame.
As well as one of the Premier League’s most potent finishers in a 20-year career, Defoe’s work with the Bradley Lowery Foundation captured the hearts of an entire nation, and his incredible work off the pitch coupled with his achievements on it make the former Sunderland star a strong candidate to be inducted.
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