Why Thierry Henry is the Greatest Premier League Player of All Time
Thierry Henry’s stats and achievements:
-360 goals
-168 assists
-1x World Cup winner
-1x UEFA European Championship winner
-1x UEFA Champions League winner
-2x Premier League winner
-2x La Liga winner
-2x FA Cup winner
-1x Ligue 1 winner
-1x UEFA Super Cup winner
-1x FIFA Club World Cup winner
-6x PFA Team of the Year
-3x FWA Footballer of the Year
-2x Premier League Player of the Season
-4x Premier League Golden Boot
Thierry Henry is one of the most technically gifted individuals to ever play in the Premier League. Despite his 6’2” frame, his elegance with the ball was something England had never seen before at that time. Due to his supreme technical floor, there was no zone of the pitch where he was uncomfortable.
He could play wide, tight to the touchline, facing up against and beating multiple opposition players. He could drop deep, receive the ball and drive at full speed, blistering past opponents. He could play up top, battling with man-mountains and coming out with the ball glued to his feet.
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Henry’s physical profile was freakish. His ability to pin defenders with his imperious upper-body strength, providing a platform to seamlessly twist away made him incredibly elusive. Furthermore, when utilising his core strength, he possessed the agility and balance to ride challenges and body contact whilst staying up-right on his feet, allowing him to finish with ease.
7th in the all time Premier League goalscorer chart with 175 goals, Henry’s goalscoring ability cannot be overstated. The Frenchmen had mastered every possible finish in the book. He could place the ball into the back of the net with both feet. Curling efforts into the top corner from outside the box. Devastating volleys from any distance. Delicately-weighted chips. He could even finish 35 yard dead-ball scenarios. There was no weakness to his game.
Disregard the recent discourse surrounding Thierry Henry’s impact on the grandest of occasions; he was a big game winner. He scored 10 goals vs Chelsea and 9 goals vs Manchester United, Arsenal’s fiercest rivals at the time. His spectacular finish in Arsenal’s 1-0 over Man United in 2000 cannot be forgotten.
Culturally, no player may ever have the same impact as Thierry Henry. Considering the climate, Henry was the first foreign player to play in England and totally rip apart the establishment. He opened doors for footballers all around the globe to play in the Premier League. From the first moment he locked eyes with the fans at Highbury, there was instant connection. He was one of them. Even when Henry left, he was always going to come back.
On January 9th, 2012, with Arsenal drawing 0-0 to Leeds at the Emirates stadium, Henry came on to score arguably his most iconic goal for the Gunners. It may not have been his best goal, or even the most important goal considering the context, but I have no doubt that this goal is Henry’s favourite goal. His reunion with the Arsenal faithful. As he wheeled away to celebrate, he locked eyes with the fans, and in that moment, he understood his legacy.
Regardless of the modern Premier League greats work, Thierry Henry’s legacy will be as the greatest player to ever play in England.
By: @CounterPressers
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Tony O’Brien – EMPICS / PA Images