Source: Daily_Mail
THE LIST: Top players of the decade in the Premier League - Nos 20-11
HAVE YOUR SAY... Who is the best Premier League player of the decade? As we leave another decade behind, it seems only right that we remember some of the great players that have brightened our footballing lives in the ten years past. Who has been your favourite - and have we missed anyone out? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK As we leave another decade behind, it seems only right that we remembersome of the great players that have brightened our footballing lives inthe 10 years past. [LNB] Read Nos 50-41Read Nos 40-31Read Nos 30-21[LNB]We know better than anyone here at Sportsmail that you simply can't please everyone with lists of this nature, andcompiling a countdown of the top players from the top flight was thetoughest of tasks indeed.[LNB]But we certainly welcome your views as you share this week's countdown with us, all the way through to our top ten on Friday.[LNB]And remember, we are talking about players that made the most contribution and had the most impact in the years 2000-2009.[LNB]So sit back, take a break and enjoy ....[LNB]20 Claude Makelele(Chelsea 2003-2008)[LNB]Makelele arrived during the heady days of Chelsea's immense spending spree as a £16.8million purchase from Real Madrid. [LNB]He joined the Blues as one of the most respected midfielders in the world after helping Real to two championships and a Champions League trophy and became the engine firing Chelsea's success under Jose Mourinho. [LNB]In his first season under Mourinho, Makelele won the League and League Cup and the manager declared the Frenchman his player of the season.[LNB]Another Premier League title followed and Makelele left his mark on the English top flight with the position just behind midfield, slightly in front of the defence, now known as the 'Makelele role.'[LNB] Blues brothers: Former Chelsea star Makelele (left) and current skipper Terry[LNB]19 John Terry (Chelsea 1998-present)Never shy of putting his body in the way of danger, Chelsea's Captain Fantastic has been involved in Two League title triumphs, three FA Cup Final victories and two League Cup wins while the list of plaudits he has won along the way are testament not just to his ability but also the regard with which he is held in the game.[LNB]Terry was voted the best defender in the Champions League in 2005 and 2008, the PFA Players' Player of the Year in 2005, and was named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team.[LNB]18 Robert Pires (Arsenal 2000-2006)Pires was the type of player Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger loved - a winner and an entertainer in equal measure.[LNB]Three FA Cups, two League titles and a career best goal tally of 19 in 2003-04.[LNB]The Frenchman has also won praise from the media - he was awarded the Football Writers' Player of the Year in 2001-02 and was included in the PFA Team of the Year three seasons in a row from 2001-02.[LNB] Flying Frenchman: Pires[LNB]Rock solid: Ferdinand[LNB] 17 Rio Ferdinand (Leeds 2000-2002, Manchester United 2002-present)Ferdinand started the century in real style after his £18m move from West Ham to Leeds United which made him, at the time, the world's most expensive defender. [LNB]A fine run in the Champions League saw the Yorkshire club eventually knocked out at the semi-final stage but as Leeds' financial crisis loomed large, he moved to Manchester United for £29.1m.[LNB]It has been at Old Trafford that Ferdinand has made his name, winning four domestic titles and the Champions League.[LNB]His performances at the heart of defence have also seen him named in the PFA Premier League team of the year in five seasons.[LNB]16 Paolo di Canio (West Ham 1999-2003, Charlton 2003-2004)A controversial figure - just ask referee Paul Alcock - who lit up the Premier League with West Ham at the turn of the century with his unique blend of passion and creative football.[LNB]Harry Redknapp took a risk on the Italian after his clash with Alcock but it paid off as Di Canio helped West Ham qualify for Europe.[LNB]His most famous strike was a leaping volley against Wimbledon in 2000 that was voted goal of the season, but there was more to his character than just goals.[LNB]In 2001 Di Canio was awarded the FIFA Fair Play Award after an act of great sportsmanship during a game with Everton - Toffees keeper Paul Gerrard was lying injured on the floor when the Italian caught the ball and stopped play, rather than playing on with the goal at his mercy. Legend![LNB]Di Canio also helped Charlton to their highest finish (7th) in the top flight since the 1950s.[LNB] Never a dull moment: Di Canio made plenty of headlines during his time in the English top flight[LNB]15 Michael Owen (Liverpool 1996-2004 Newcastle 2005-2009, Manchester United 2009-present)Owen may have announced himself to the world at France 98 but it wasn't until the new Millennium that his goals started to win trophies for Liverpool. [LNB]Gerrard Houllier's side won five trophies in one calendar year - the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup plus the Community Shield and UEFA Super Cup - as Owen helped himself to 28 goals.[LNB]Owen also won the European Footballer of the Year in 2001 and remains the last Englishman to lift the award.[LNB]His career stumbled slightly after leaving Anfield but his recent hat-trick for United against Wolfsburg and his late, late winner in the Manchester derby is proof he still knows where the goal is.[LNB] Reds alert: Owen[LNB]Forward thinker: Drogba[LNB] 14 Didier Drogba (Chelsea 2004-present)A beast of a striker, Drogba is a constant nuisance to every defender he goes up against.[LNB]Hisgoals for Marseille were enough to persuade Chelsea to part with £24mand the Ivory Coast international has more than paid his way.[LNB]Withtwo Premier League medals, two FA Cups and two League Cups, Drogba wasthe League's top scorer in 2007 with 20 strikes and was voted into thePFA team of the same year.[LNB]13 Shay Given (Newcastle 1997-2009, Manchester City 2009-present)Our highest-placed goalkeeper, Given started the decade in the Newcastle side that was playing Champions League football and will end it in the team many observers reckon are on the brinking of joining Europe's elite.[LNB]The Irishman has been named in the PFA team of the season twice.[LNB] Hard to beat: Given has frustrated some of the world's best strikers[LNB]12 Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester United (2001-2006)[LNB]Quite simply a goal machine. The Dutchman was at the forefront much of United's success early in the decade.[LNB]A Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup winner in his time at Old Trafford, he was the division's top scorer in 2002-03 and the most prolific hitman in the Champions League in 2001-02, 2002-03 and 2004-05.[LNB] United front: Striker Van Nistelrooy (left) and Old Trafford legend Keane[LNB]11 Roy Keane (Manchester United 1993-2005)[LNB]An aggressive and uncompromising midfielder, Keane made Manchester United tick.[LNB]He captained the club to four League titles (1999, 2000, 2001, 2003) two FA Cups (1999, 2004) and was voted both Football Writer's and Player's Player of the year in 2000. [LNB]For all the distractions off the field, Keane remained as focused and determined to win - at any cost - on it and his relationship with the fans was a straightforward one - they adored him, he gave them everything. 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