15. Peter Beardsley
The definition of a skilful schemer, the Geordie dribbler took over the mantle from Kenny Dalgleish to keep the Liverpool forward line in constant supply of goals. An accomplished England international, he may not have been pretty, but man oh man could he play!
14. Dunga
Often overlooked for being a functional player in teams full of artists. However, none of those artists would have been able to flourish has they not had him behind them. Lead the Brazil team of 94 to the World Cup, in his day he was unquestionably the best holding midfielder in the game.
13. Ray Parlour
You don’t earn the nickname ‘the Romford Pele’ if you can’t play, and like Dunga, his contribution to the game was often overlooked because of who he lined up with. Always energetic, he scored his share of important goals and made sure he was always on a par with Patrick Vieira and Gilberto Silva in the Arsenal midfield.
12. Matthias Sammer
Germany were so effective during the 90s because they had this tough tackler protecting the defence and playing Libero. A former Ballon d’Or winner, he frequently fails to win recognition over the likes of Oliver Kahn and Jurgen Klinsmann.
11. Denis Irwin
One of the greatest left-backs the Premier League has ever seen. Not only was he extremely competent from set pieces, he could also cross the fleas off a dog’s back at 50 yards. With 529 appearances for United under his belt, you can guarantee that the Red Devils wouldn’t have been so dominant without him.
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