The Hard Tackle takes a look at the toughest players who have ever taken the field in the Premier League.
The Premier League is packed with all types of players… from those with flair and finesse – to those that are imposing characters that aren’t afraid of a sliding tackle and a few yellow (and red) cards.
The Premier League has certainly seen its fair share of hard-hitting football players over the years. Here, we take a look at the lives and careers of some of the toughest and trickiest football stars ever to grace the Premier League. These players are famous for showcasing their unwavering resilience, unrivalled strength – and almost too much commitment on the pitch.
Roy Keane
When you think of tough Premier League players, undoubtedly, the name Roy Keane will almost certainly spring to mind. This revered Irishman was the embodiment of grit, determination – and temper during his many years at Manchester United.
Known for his almost-too-fierce tackles, his unrivalled leadership qualities — and fiery temperament, he really was a driving force behind the Red Devils’ many triumphs. His unapologetically uncompromising style earned him fear and respect if not admiration, from fellow players, fans and rivals alike.
Vinnie Jones
Of course we have to mention the notorious Vinnie Jones. There were no doubt many Premier League bets placed on him getting a red card during his hey-day in the world’s best league.
Long before he made a name for himself in Hollywood, Mr. Jones was famous for terrorising Premier League midfielders — who can forget the famous photo of him aggressively grabbing the intimate area of Paul Gascgoine?! His intimidating presence on whatever pitch he played on — and ferocious tackling, made him a formidable opponent.
However, he wasn’t simply a bruiser; this was a player who possessed an incredible blend of tenacity and skill – playing for top clubs like Wimbledon and Chelsea. Off the pitch, he was just every bit as tough, more than cementing his reputation as one of the toughest footballers to ever play in the Premier League.
Nemanja Vidic
Obviously, Manchester United have had their share of hard men. Another tough guy on the pitch was Nemanja Vidic who was the rock right at the heart of Manchester United’s defence during the club’s dominant era in the mid-2000s.
He had a real no-nonsense defence style. That, along with his skills in the air, made him a real favourite with Manchester United fans. However, the Serbian centre-back wasn’t simply scary to play against because of his size and temperament — he also had a team spirit that helped United win lots of major titles. His performances whenever he was on the pitch always displayed a mental and physical strength that stood out from the rest.
Stuart Pearce
Well, the fact that Stuart Pearce became known as Psycho says it all really. This was a player that was the embodiment of commitment and stoicism. His scary tackles and passionate outbursts certainly endeared him to his fans at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and West Ham United — although he may have been somewhat less popular with his opponents and their fans!
However, what he lacked in technical finesse, he more than made up for with his determination, heart and fighting spirit. HIs reputation for going in hard and fast made him one of the most scary left-backs in the league.
Jaap Stam
To finish our list, we have another Manchester United legend that took the term ‘Red Devil’ to a new level. Jaap Stam’s arrival at Manchester United in 1998 marked a massive shift in the Premier League. The famous Dutch defender perfectly combined his physical size with serious tactical skills – creating an impenetrable defence.
His imposing presence and fearless challenges played a massive part in Manchester United managing to secure the treble in 1999. Not only was he one of the toughest players in the league – but also one of the best.
Conclusion
There is no denying it. These five footballers left a huge mark on the Premier League (and probably in the nightmares of some of their opponents as well!), not just for their physical toughness but also for their mental strength and their undeniable commitment to their teams.
They were the personification of British football, filled with grit and determination. Certainly, their playing styles may have varied a lot. But they all managed one thing — earning a reputation as some of the hardest football players ever to grace the Premier League.
