• Premier League

Giggs named best player in Premier League history

ESPN staff
May 15, 2012
Ryan Giggs and Sir Alex Ferguson have both had successful career © PA Photos
Enlarge

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has been named the best player of the first 20 seasons of the Premier League.

Giggs, 38, made his debut for United in 1991 and has been a fixture in the side almost ever since, moving into a more cerebral, central role in recent years after starting out as a traditional left-winger.

Newly-appointed England coach Gary Neville, a former club team-mate of Giggs, paid tribute to the Welshman.

"Ryan Giggs will go down as the most successful British footballer of all time and I cannot see anyone ever overtaking him," Neville said. "He has surpassed all records in terms of domestic titles and he has incredible desire, quality and spirit. He's just fantastic to watch every single week."

There was double reason to celebrate for Manchester United, as Sir Alex Ferguson was also named the best manager of the first 20 seasons of the Premier League.

The Scot has helped United win the title 12 times since his arrival at Old Trafford.

Alan Shearer received an award for the most Premier League goals (260) while David James received a prize for the most Premier League clean sheets (173).

The panel's elect team of the last 20 seasons was named as: Peter Schmeichel; Gary Neville, Tony Adams, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole; Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Alan Shearer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close