Australian Premier League stars: The Top Five

The weekly feature looking at the top five players to play in the Premier League continues, with the focus this week being on stars from Down Under.

Regarding the sporting exports of Australia, footballers are perhaps not top of the list, with Rugby and Cricket being the nations preferred sports.

That’s not to say that the land Down Under hasn’t produced some Premier League stars, so crack open a Fosters and get a shrimp on the barbie, as we take a look at the best Aussie footballers to play in the Premier League.

In no particular order…….

Tim Cahill

It should come as no surprise to see Cahill feature in this list, as he is regarded by many as one of the greatest Australian footballers ever.

Despite only standing at 5 ft 10, Cahill is known for his numerous headed goals. His spring-fitted heels enabled him to score many crucial goals for Everton in the Premier League. His never-say-die attitude and 52 league goals for Everton established Cahill as Goodison legend during his eight-year spell, attracting many admirers from other Premier League clubs.

Cahill is so valued as a footballer that he still makes the Australian national squad, even at the ripe old age of 38. Earlier this season Cahill signed for Millwall in order to gain some playing time, with the view to making the Australian World Cup squad. If he does make the squad (which he most probably will), it will make him one of the oldest players at the tournament, and many people will be thrilled to see such a Premier League legend feature in Russia this summer.

Mark Schwarzer

Schwarzer racked up an amazing 151 clean sheets in the Premier League, ranking him the third highest keeper to keep clean sheets in Premier League history.

With spells at clubs such as Middlesbrough, Fulham, Chelsea, and Leicester, Schwarzer made over 500 PL appearances between the sticks, accruing two Premier League medals.

A keeper that many of us grew up with, Schwarzer certainly can be regarded as one of the best and most consistent keepers to grace the Prem. Schwarzer also holds the record for most appearances for the Socceroos, and coupled with his impressive Premier League record, he truly is a footballing legend.

Aaron Mooy

Perhaps the most surprising inclusion in this list is 27-year-old Aaron Mooy.

Mooy currently plies his trade at Premier League new boys Huddersfield Town, and his performances have set tongues wagging. The central midfielder has demonstrated the technical quality and confidence that is not often associated with Aussie footballers.

The fact Manchester City touted Mooy as a potential lynchpin speaks volumes about his ability. After being loaned out to Huddersfield in the Championship, Mooy was instrumental in the Terriers promotion, earning a place in the Championship PFA team of the year. The quality transpired into his performances in the 2017/18 campaign, and if Huddersfield get relegated there will be numerous other Premier League clubs vying for his signature.

Harry Kewell

The Aussie winger accumulated over 250 Premier League appearances for Leeds and Liverpool, netting 57 times.

After his impressive performances for Leeds United in the Prem, Kewell was linked to clubs such as AC Milan, Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United, but opted for Liverpool. Kewell’s transfer to Liverpool was dogged by negative publicity, particularly from Gary Lineker who later paid compensation to Kewell in out of court settlement for defamation of character.

Aside from the court battles, Kewell won many plaudits for his Premiership performances and definitely warrants a place amongst Australia’s best Premier League Players. 

Mark Viduka

“Mark Viduuuuukaaa, Mark Viduuuuukaaa” (to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah) was a chant that regularly ringed around Premier League grounds such as Elland Road, the Riverside and St James’ Park.

The big Aussie striker scored an impressive 92 Prem goals during his nine-year stint and became the worlds most expensive Aussie footballer following his A$10.5 million move to Leeds from SPL giants Celtic.

Arguably one of the best Australian strikers of all time, Viduka brings a fitting end to this weeks ‘Top Five Australian Players to  Play in the Prem’ feature.

Written by Calum Ridgewell.  (@ridgewellfooty)

Feature writer for 90MAAT. Football and beer enthusiast. Student at the University of Liverpool and future PR pro. Waiting for Blackpool to get to the Premier League…