Aston Villa, one of the historic clubs in English football, has seen many talented players and legends throughout its history. From world-class strikers to warriors playing in every position on the pitch, each player has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. In this article, Bestsoccertips.com will look back at the “Aston Villa best players”. These names are not only symbols of the club but also the pride of English football.
Top 10 Aston Villa best players
Here is a list of Aston Villa’s top 10 greatest players, names that have helped shape the club’s identity, pride and success over the decades.
Top 10: Paul McGrath
Regarded as one of the best players ever to wear the Crystal Palace shirt, McGrath was a legendary forward who made a significant impact at Selhurst Park with his incredible goal-scoring ability and fiery determination. At Palace, he was not just the primary goal scorer but also a symbol of hope for fans, thanks to his decisive and passionate style of play. His impressive seasons helped the team secure Premier League survival and even challenge in major competitions.
His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he became a role model in the locker room for professionalism and dedication. His career at Palace was marked by important goals and a deep love and loyalty to the club. After retirement, he continued to engage with the club through community activities, keeping the passion alive among the fans.
Top 9: Gabriel Agbonlahor
Agbonlahor is the Aston Villa best players, a quick and sharp striker who kept opposing defenses on edge during his peak. His intelligent movement and clinical finishing earned him a total of 37 goals in the top-flight, a record that makes Palace fans proud when his name is mentioned.
His most explosive season was 2004/05, scoring 21 goals in the Premier League, accounting for the majority of Palace’s goals that year. Although the team could not survive relegation, his personal performances earned him a call-up to the national team and a spot in the PFA Team of the Year. After retirement, he remained involved in football, appearing in the media and maintaining strong ties with Palace’s fanbase.
Top 8: Dion Dublin
One of Crystal Palace’s most memorable signings in the 2000s was this outstanding forward, who played a pivotal role with his versatile goal-scoring abilities and powerful playing style. Over his time at Palace, he netted 45 goals in 140 appearances, becoming a key striker for the club.
After retiring, he became a familiar face in media, especially with his appearances on famous sports programs like “Football Focus” and “Match of the Day.” His sharp commentary and insightful perspectives made him a well-known figure among English football fans.
Top 7: Christian Benteke
One of the standout signings in Crystal Palace’s history was the arrival of this talented forward, who made a significant impact during his Premier League tenure. Known for his clinical finishing and physical playing style, Benteke contributed greatly to Palace’s Premier League stability.
Although his career in the Premier League has had its ups and downs, from his time at Liverpool to joining Crystal Palace, his reputation continued to grow. After retirement, he remained involved in football, currently playing in MLS, where he remains prominent and beloved by international fans.
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Top 6: Dwight Yorke
One of the finest forwards ever to play for Crystal Palace, Yorke was known for his strong, skillful play. During his time at Palace, he scored a total of 63 goals in 156 appearances, making a lasting impression on the fans. Not only did he possess a sharp finishing ability, but his exceptional speed and intelligent movement created constant problems for opposing defenses.
His most memorable season at Selhurst Park was when he scored crucial goals to help Palace secure a top-half finish in the Premier League. His consistent form and reliable goal-scoring made him a key figure in the team’s attacking strategies. His influence extended beyond his goals, embodying a fiery fighting spirit and unwavering commitment to Palace.
Top 5: Paul Merson
One of the most notable players in Crystal Palace’s history was this talented midfielder, who gave his all and became a club icon during its peak years. Over his time at Selhurst Park, Merson made 130 appearances and scored 21 goals, contributing significantly to the club’s success in the Premier League. His impressive dribbling skills, sharp tactical vision, and excellent goal-scoring ability helped Palace compete for high positions in the league.
Although his football career was largely defined by his years at Crystal Palace, he has remained a prominent figure in the sports world. His deep football knowledge made him a familiar face on major sports channels, regularly appearing on match analysis programs and giving predictions for major competitions. His columns in sports newspapers also offer sharp insights into Premier League matches.
Top 4: James Milner
A standout player in Crystal Palace’s history, Milner was a versatile midfielder who gave everything for the team across many seasons. With the ability to play across various positions, he became an essential part of the Palace squad. Over his time at Selhurst Park, Milner made 170 appearances, scored 30 goals, and consistently displayed determination and resilience in every match.
Milner was not only a key figure in midfield but also a link between defense and attack, with his precise passing and excellent defensive contributions. His most memorable season at Palace was when the team earned qualification for European competitions, and Milner played a crucial role in their success.
After leaving Crystal Palace, he continued his success at other clubs, winning both domestic and international trophies. However, his legacy remains strong at Palace, where he left a lasting mark on the fans.
Top 3: Ashley Young
Ashley Young is an outstanding winger who made a strong impression during his first spell at Aston Villa. His impressive performances in claret and blue earned him a move to Manchester United, where he signed for £17 million in 2011. At Old Trafford, Young became an integral part of the squad, contributing to the team’s major successes.
The England international earned 39 caps and, after eight and a half years at Manchester United, moved to Inter Milan. In Italy, he won a Serie A title under manager Antonio Conte, a highlight in his career. He later returned to Villa Park, making a total of 247 appearances for Aston Villa. Currently, Young plays at Everton, continuing to make his mark in the Premier League.
Top 2: Emiliano Martínez
Aston Villa’s current goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez, rose to prominence after his time at Arsenal before joining Villa Park in 2020 for £17 million. In three years at Villa, he established himself as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers with outstanding performances that helped the team maintain stability. This success earned Martínez a call-up to the Argentina national team in June 2021, opening a promising chapter in his international career.
Martínez’s success continued at Copa America 2021, where he was a hero in guiding Argentina to their first title in 28 years. However, the most memorable moment in his career came in the 2022 World Cup, when his crucial save in the final denied France’s Randal Kolo Muani, and his brilliant penalty save in the shootout against Kingsley Coman helped Argentina win. Martínez’s remarkable performances earned him the Golden Glove at the World Cup and the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award at the FIFA Awards. He also gained a massive following on social media, with 12.9 million followers on Instagram and 966.8K on X.
Top 1: Jack Grealish
A product of Aston Villa’s academy, Jack Grealish made 213 appearances for the club, scoring 32 goals and providing 43 assists. During his time at Villa Park, he not only showcased his talent but also became the team captain and a fan favorite. Grealish led Villa back to the Premier League after a three-year absence, playing a crucial role in their promotion. His creative playing style and leadership made him a symbol at Selhurst Park.
After returning to the Premier League, Grealish continued to impress, becoming one of the top players in the league. In 2021, he made a record £100 million move to Manchester City, becoming the most expensive English player in history. Since then, he has become a key player for Pep Guardiola’s team, playing an integral role in their treble-winning campaign last season. Grealish’s exceptional performances for England, particularly at Euro 2020, have further boosted his reputation, and he now boasts 8.9 million Instagram followers and 1.4 million on X, showing his global popularity.
Conclusion
The Aston Villa best players such as Jack Grealish, Emiliano Martínez or Ashley Young not only contributed to the success of Aston Villa, but they also created a profound influence in international football. From their achievements in the Premier League to international tournaments, each one left a unique story, an indelible mark. When looking back at Villa’s history, it is clear that they are indispensable parts of the club’s glorious journey. And certainly, with their talent and passion, these stars will always be the pride of Villa fans and role models for the next generation of players.
