There have been some great legends of the beautiful game that have featured in the Premier League over the years and you won’t believe some of these greats never got to play in Europe’s top tier tournament. Today, BestofBets bring you the greatest Premier League XI who never played in the Champions League.
Greatest Premier League XI who never played in the Champions League
Goalkeeper – Neville Southall
Everton shot-stopper Neville Southall was at his best during English clubs’ European ban post-Heysel stadium disaster in 1985.
Right-back – Stephen Carr
Stephen Carr spent most of his career at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Newcastle United and was impressive throughout his career at the right-back position. Shame he couldn’t play in the Champions League in his career.
Centre-back – Gareth Southgate
England national team coach and former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough defender Gareth Southgate did have European football experience in the UEFA Cup, but never stepped foot in the Champions League.
Centre-back – Paul McGrath
Premier League’s first PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1992/93, Paul McGrath could have achieved so much in his career if not for his injury issues. After almost joining Manchester United, he moved instead to Aston Villa, thus missing out his only chance at European football.
Left-back – Leighton Baines
One of the greatest left-backs in Premier League history, we can’t quite believe someone of the quality of Leighton Baines didn’t manage to get a taste of the Champions League. He could have made it there if he did not reject the chance to join Manchester United with David Moyes.
Midfield – Matt Le Tissier
The scorer of some of the greatest goals in Premier League history, it is almost a shock when you hear someone like Matt Le Tissier never playing in the Champions League. The Southampton legend sacrificed a lot for legendary status.
Midfield – Darren Anderton
After having an incredible career with Portsmouth and Tottenham, Darren Anderton rejected Sir Alex Ferguson’s offer to join Manchester United in 1995 and thus, let go of his only chance to play in the Champions League.
Midfield – Clint Dempsey
Featuring for Fulham and Tottenham, Clint Dempsey became a household name in English football during his stint at the two clubs. The extremely talented American did reach the Europa League final with Fulham, however, couldn’t play Champions League in his career.
Striker – Paolo Di Canio
Unbelievable really. One of the greatest strikers to grace European football, Paolo Di Canio played for clubs like West Ham, Lazio, Milan and Juventus in the 90s but never managed to play in the Champions League ever in his career as fate would have it. However, he did win the 1993 UEFA Cup and 1995 UEFA Super Cup,.
Striker – Ian Wright
Another name that is quite ridiculous to have missed out on Champions League football. Arsenal legend Ian Wright moved to West Ham the summer after winning the 1997/98 Premier League title, following which Arsenal got into the Champions League.
Striker – Les Ferdinand
Legendary striker Les Ferdinand has just one UEFA Cup campaign under his belt, during his time at Newcastle United. Among the top 15 goalscorers in Premier League history, it’s quite astonishing he never featured in the Champions League during Newcastle’s prime.
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