In light of the launch of the new football gaming phenomenon that is ‘Goaldash’ I decided to look at the six of the greatest foreigners to have graced the English game.
The Premier League is now littered with star names from abroad, and critics suggest that the amount of foreign players in the English game is detrimental. However, there are a number of foreign players who have had a huge impact on English football, and it wouldn’t be where it was today, without their influence. Let’s have a look at some of the finest foreign talent to grace our shores.
1. Ossie Ardiles
Very few foreign players moved to the English game prior to Ossie Ardiles. His transfer along with Ricky Villa’s after the 1978 World cup changed British football forever. He had just lifted the World cup and was a global superstar, the transfer was a huge coup for Spurs, and a new phenomenon for English football. Foreign players began coming more frequently to the top English clubs, and Ardiles set high standards for those who would follow.
2. Eric Cantona
A special player, who could wow a full stadium and create a magical moment out of nothing. Cantona was the first proper superstar of the Premier League. His fiery temperament combined with his mercurial talent, fueled the new super sunday age and gave rise to saturation coverage. The game grew exponentially alongside him. Off the field his behind the scenes influence affected the whole Manchester United ethic, and the influence of his dedication to training and practice is something that is still felt today.
3. Gianfranco Zola
The little Italian dazzled the Premier League with his skills and quality goals. He had a huge influence in the 90’s when he came in and had an immediate impact, something that is not easy for a foreign player to do. He brought a joy and beauty to the Premier League which shaped what it is today, he also brought a new kind of professionalism and commitment to the English game.
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Find Out More About GOALDASH by clicking here
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4.Thierry Henry
The Frenchman’s ridiculous goal scoring record, pace, skill, class and composure were absolutely vital for Arsenal during their unbeaten season. You just needed to watch him to witness how great he was, he could destroy teams on his own, and is the highest scoring foreign player in the history of the English game. He brought a blistering pace to the game which has become even more significant in the English game since his departure.
5.Dennis Bergkamp
Like Henry, Bergkamp made a huge contribution over the years to Arsenal and the English game. His creativity and awareness enabled those who he played with to look better than they were. A cultured foreign player, his sheer class, intelligence and vision raised football to an art form.
6.Cristiano Ronaldo
Quickly became the best player in the world. He could do anything, score from anywhere, and provide a huge amount of assists, with unrivalled skill and flair. He raised the bar for attacking talent in this country. Ronaldo was the cumulation of the English games obsession with the foreigner. He set such a high standard and has had such a massive impact on world football, that it is hard to say if we will ever see a better player in the English game.
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So what is Goaldash all about then?
‘Goaldash’ is a fabulous concept which fuses the Lottery format with pre-chosen football fixtures. Whereas you may use birthdays or your own favourite numbers to pick your six numbers, with ‘Goaldash’ you need to use your foresight of the Beautiful Game to select the six teams that are likely to score the quickest in the pre-selected 24 fixtures.
It only costs £1 a pop to enter and you have the chance to win a million pounds, every given week.
All you have to do is scour the 48 teams and pick out the 6 teams that are likely to score the quickest on the Saturday afternoon. The matches are chosen from the Premier League, the Football League, as well as the Scottish divisions therefore you will have plenty to work out and strategise before you make your selections.
Playing the Lottery has just got fun, especially as your odds are a damn sight greater.
Fancy your chances? Fancy winning £1million pounds? Why not give it a go!