7. Brad Friedal (Liverpool to Blackburn Rovers – 2000)
The current holder of the Premier League record for most consecutive appearance with 310, joined Blackburn from Liverpool in November 2000 on a free transfer. Another name of consistency, Brad Friedal, with his assured display in between the sticks in his first season got Blackburn back into the English top flight. He went on to make a total of 287 appearances for the Rovers’ side, most of them being ‘Man of the Match’. With eight years of consistency and an integral role in retaining Blackburn’s premier league status, he makes our list.
6. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to AC Milan – 2008)
Flamini!! again? Is this guy ever going to cost anyone a penny? The utility man signed for Milan after three years of trophy drought at Arsenal again on a free transfer. In his first season he didn’t get a run of games at centre of the park but was used as right back and was sparingly used in defensive midfielder position. In his second season he was playing at his preferred position. An integral part of midfield riches consisting of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini he went on to play an influential role in the road to 18th scudetto. In total he played 97 games for Red and Black of Rossoneri scoring 7 goals.
5. Henrik Larsson (Celtic to Barcelona – 2004)
On papers already a 33 year old Larsson had not lot to offer for Barca, but the former Celtic man was there when they needed him. In total he played 58 matches for Catalan side and scored 19 goals. A man willing to sit in the bench and show his dependable qualities when required, he truly was an inspirational character at Catalan back then. Two La Liga, Supercopa de España and UEFA Champions league a piece were added to his already big trophy collection.
4. Micheal Ballack (Bayern Munich to Chelsea – 2006)
Already a world class midfielder but still Bayern let him go. Under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, Ballack excelled in premier league winning a premier league (2009-10), three FA Cups (07, 09, 10), a League Cup in 2007 and a FA Community Shield in 2009. Forming a formidable partnership with Frank Lampard and Micheal Essien he played 167 matches for Blues scoring 26 goals in 4 year stay at Stamford Bridge.