Express Sport has ranked the 20 hardest players in Premier League history, with Manchester United legend Roy Keane placing only sixth on the list.
The ranking celebrates the traditional tough-tackling side of English football, a trait that remains part of the league's identity despite its reputation as the world's best division.
The Bottom Five
Nigel de Jong sits at No. 20. The Dutchman is best remembered for nearly kicking Xabi Alonso in the chest during the 2010 World Cup final, but that was not a one-off. During his time at Manchester City, fans sang "Oh when De Jong goes sliding in" to the tune of When the Saints Go Marching In.
Joey Barton, another former City player, is 19th. He received a 12-match ban for two counts of violent conduct in a single match during his Premier League career.
Hardmen in Attack
Diego Costa is 18th. The Spanish striker arrived at Chelsea in 2014 and picked up 26 bookings in 89 matches—more than one yellow card every four games.
Chris Morgan is 17th. He spent most of his career in the EFL and played only 35 times in the Premier League, but his Wikipedia page describes him as an 'uncompromising defender'.
Further Down the List
Robert Huth is 16th. The German defender stood 6ft 3in and was described as more of a gentleman than a thug, but certainly not someone to mess with.
The full top 20 continues with further entries, with Roy Keane at No. 6 among the highest-ranked names.
