What happens when you ask thousands of British football fans to design the ultimate Premier League footballer? The answer is a spectacular hybrid legend, blending the very best attributes from past and present icons.
The Blueprint of a Footballing Superhuman
More than 2,000 football enthusiasts participated in a comprehensive survey commissioned by OLBG, voting to construct the perfect player. The result is a formidable combination of technical brilliance, physical prowess, and mental fortitude.
The ideal Premier League star would boast Mo Salah's devastating left foot, paired with the relentless work ethic of N'Golo Kanté and the unparalleled game intelligence of Kevin De Bruyne.
Beyond Skill: The Personality Traits Fans Crave
It wasn't just about on-pitch ability. Nearly one in six supporters voted to equip their dream player with the sharp wit and humour of former England striker Peter Crouch. They also demanded the fierce leadership skills of Roy Keane from his playing heyday.
Jake Ashton from OLBG commented on the fascinating exercise, stating: "Putting together these legends of the Premier League into one skin is such an interesting debate, as the options are endless. The fans have spoken, but there were so many other combinations and great candidates on the table."
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Fans' Favourite
Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as a dominant figure in the poll. The Portuguese superstar, now with Al Nassr, was singled out for his exceptional dribbling skills and flair. His prowess didn't stop there; he also topped the charts for other critical attributes like ball control and heading ability.
This acclaim culminated in a significant endorsement: one in five fans named Ronaldo as the best all-round Premier League player of all time. However, for pure passing mastery, Kevin De Bruyne remained the undisputed king, while N'Golo Kanté received a second nod for his world-class tackling.
The dream player also incorporated other legends. Didier Drogba's brute strength was desired by over 10% of respondents, and the recently knighted Sir David Beckham was chosen by nearly a third of fans for his peerless free-kick technique.
According to the data, the key ingredients for footballing perfection are:
- Finishing ability (56%)
- Passing ability (49%)
- Ball control (47%)
Interestingly, 43% of supporters believe football IQ and pace are equally vital.
What's Missing From Today's Stars?
The survey, conducted via OnePoll.com, also explored what qualities modern players lack compared to legends of the past. Topping the list was loyalty to one club (44%). This was closely followed by a desire for more humility, a grounded attitude, and a consistent work ethic (all 35%).
Ashton added a forward-looking perspective: "Seeing Cristiano Ronaldo at the forefront of fans' minds shows just how good he has been. It will be fascinating to see how his legacy holds up in ten years' time as new talents emerge and make their mark on the league."
