Ten of the Best Players in the Premier League

If there were question marks over Rooney's goalscoring abilities, they were well and truly answered in the 2009/10 season. Now that he has added more goals to his game, Rooney is the all-round player. Superb awareness, long-range passing, hold-up play and a never-say-die sprit combine to make a precious asset for club and country.

Arsenal’s elegant Dutchman is in the prime of his career. The striker’s exquisite touch, link play with teammates and cold blooded finishing make him one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers. With Cesc Fabregas having left Arsenal in 2011, Van Persie was one of those players expected to step up to the plate and show that there was life after the multitalented Spanish midfielder.

For affirmation of Drogba’s striking qualities and all-round play, just ask the Arsenal defense. Season after season they are bullied into submission by this physically imposing specimen who can head the ball, finish well with either foot, and take scorching free-kicks. The Chelsea man may be prone to histrionics, but at club and international level, there are few who can match him for presence and all-round effectiveness.

The Manchester United defender forms a strong partnership with Rio Ferdinand at the heart of the defense. There are few better than Vidic in the air and on the floor, although he has struggled against Liverpool's Torres in recent seasons. A commanding presence who can also pop up with headed goals from time to time.

The archetypal box-to-box midfielder. Essien is the model player: fast, strong, well-built, tactically aware and professional. He could add a few more goals to his game, but not at the expense of the valuable defensive contribution he gives to the team. Chelsea had to haggle with tough negotiators Lyon for his signature in 2005, but the Ghanaian was well worth the wait. A player with no real weakness.

El Nino (The Kid) turned into a phenomenon in the Premier League with Liverpool. His pace, touch and deadly eye for goal make him a handful for any defense. He is a regular in the Spain team, although some critics see him as a less technically accomplished player than his strike partner David Villa. Scored the winner for Spain in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, and moved to Chelsea in 2011.

Cole is one of the few players over the years to have got to grips with Cristiano Ronaldo. At Euro 2004 he had one of his best games in an England shirt, matching the Portuguese star in a captivating battle. Since then, Cole has developed into arguably the best left-back in the world. He can get forward, score goals, cross the ball, and is Mr Reliable when on the back foot.

The England international has scored more goals than any other midfielder since the Premier League began in 1992. He currently stands eighth in the all-time Premier League top scorers list, but it is not just his ability to find the net that sets him apart from most other midfielders. Like club mate Essien, Lampard is an exceptional box-to-box player who helps his team defensively and provides exceptional distribution.

There is a school of thought in England that Gerrard has underperformed for the national team. The swashbuckling displays he has produced on a regular basis for Liverpool have not always translated to the international stage, but his superb long range passing, thunderbolt shot and lung-bursting runs from midfield ensure that he remains an asset for club and country.

Rivals Cole for the tag of best left-back in world soccer. Evra is a tough customer who is reliable defensively and outstanding going forward as he regularly overlaps the midfielder before either crossing or passing the ball inside to a team-mate. A regular for Manchester United and France where he keeps Arsenal's Gael Clichy out of the team.