[print_link] | Subscribe In this week’s main listening report, we feature a post from 2011 from our archive. We asked the question, who are the best ever foreign imports to have played in the Premier League? Of course, there are plenty of talented overseas stars playing now, but this report focuses on those who stayed for an extended period and left a mark on the game in England.You can listen to the report by clicking on the link above, and you can also read the transcript of the report (below). There is also explanations of key vocabulary (in bold).
Best Overseas Premier League Player
Eric Cantona
When Leeds United sold Eric Cantona to rivals Manchester United in 1992 few could have predicted the impact that the mercurial Frenchman would have on Manchester United over the next five years. He helped United to their first title since 1967 and then won another three with the Red Devils, along with 2 FA Cups, while he was also Player of the Year on two occasions. Cantona was never far from controversy but his manager, team mates and fans were all sure that he was worth it. Cantona played 185 games for United scoring 85 goals including the winner of the 1997 FA Cup final.
Thierry Henry
Now he arrived at Highbury in 1999 hoping to re-build his reputation after a torrid time in Italy with Juventus. He left 8 years later having become the club’s highest ever scorer with a remarkable 226 goals in 370 appearances. The 1998 World Cup winner also won two Player of the Year awards, two league titles, three FA Cup wins and was top scorer in the Premier League on four occasions. A true Arsenal legend.
Peter Schmeichel
Schmeichel arrived in England in 1991 for what his manager later called a ‘bargain’ fee of A£500.000 and the Danish international – he won the European Championship in 1992 – went on to play more than 290 times for Manchester United. He won five league titles, two FA Cups, a League Cup and in 1999 a Champions League final. Now Schmeichel was a strong character who dominated his penalty area and organised his defence; he was also one of the best an shot-stoppers around.
Gianfranco Zola
Zola joined Ruud Gullit’s Chelsea from Italian side Parma in 1995 and helped to transform the London side into serious title contenders in England. Zola played the game in such a way that fans everywhere loved him, particularly the way that he could break down defences with a pass or a dribble. Zola won the FA Cup twice with the Blues, the League Cup once and the Cup Winners Cup in 1998 when Zola scored the winning goal. Zola made 312 appearances for Chelsea and scored 80 goals.
Vocabulary
mercurial: magical
the Red Devils: The nickname of Manchester United
never far from controversy: a temperamental character
a torrid time: A difficult time
legend: A very famous player, one loved by many fans
title contenders: Teams that have a strong chance of wining the title
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