Due to the partisan nature of football it is almost impossible to have a player that is universally adored by the entire footballing public. There are however certain players that seem to be liked by the wider footballing community, their character shines through and they manage to break free of the usual biased opinions that govern most supporters minds.
Here is an eleven of the most likeable players currently playing in the Premier League.
Petr Cech
The Czech stopper is currently in the autumn of his career at Arsenal, but was once one of the best keepers in world football and is a class act on and off the pitch. I think the fact that he wears a scrum cap definitely works in his favour too.
Seamus Coleman
An easy choice for right back, Coleman is one of the good guys. His charity work as well as his brilliant attitude on the field mean that it's very hard not to like the Everton captain.
Vincent Kompany
Kompany was bought at the start of Man City's change in ownership, and has been a constant throughout their success. The Belgian has always been a model professional on and off the pitch, and is another player that is heavily involved in charity work.
Jamall Lascalles
Lascelles is club captain at Newcastle, and has been an ever present under Rafael Benitez. The England defender has resisted the temptation to jump ship amid turbulent times at the club and seems to have been a key factor in Newcastle's promotion to the PL and their continued participation in England's top flight.
Luke Shaw
Shaw has Mourinho to thank for making him one of the more popular Manchester United players of recent times. The Portugese's constant criticism of the defender and Shaw's subsequent upturn in form despite Mourinho's broadsides has made for good PR for the former Southampton man. Leighton Baines would also be a good shout for the left back position.
N'Golo Kante
There was no way N'Golo Kante was not getting in this team. The softly spoken Frenchman first won the hearts and minds of football fans when guiding Leicester to Premier League success and his humble nature has made him a fan favourite worldwide.
Juan Mata
The diminutive Spaniard is well known for his charity work, with his organisation Common Goal encouraging footballers to donate 1% of their salary in order to combat issues such as HIV/AIDS, gender inequality and youth unemployment. Plus he has scored some absolute bangers for both Chelsea and Man United.
David Silva
The Man City midfielder's silky skills have graced the Premier League for the guts of ten years, and has been a genuine joy to watch. The quiet Spaniard has been incredibly influential in City's success and I think the only problem other fans have with him is that he doesn't play for their team.
Lucas Torreira
The tide of public opinion may change on Lucas Torreira as his career at Arsenal progresses but for now I think most supporters are glad to see someone in the Arsenal midfield who actually looks like he gives a shit. And who doesn't love a fiesty South American midfielder deep down?
Heung Son Min
The scrappy South Korean had to win the goddamn Asia Games with South Korea in 2018 to avoid military service for his country. Plus he always seems to be smiling.
Jamie Vardy
A modern day Cinderella tale, Jamie Vardy's meteoric rise from conference player to Premier League winning striker is helped curry favour with many supporters. Also coined the phrase 'chat shit, get banged'. A shoe-in.
Jermain Defoe
The Bournemouth man has scored goals wherever he's been, and his relationship with a terminally ill Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery showed people what a class act the England man is.
Notable exclusions
- Any of the mop haired trio of David Luiz, Ethan Ampadu or Matteo Guendouzi could've made this eleven. Mad hair makes you instantly likeable to everyone with the exception of elbow happy Marouane Fellaini.
- Hector Bellerin by way of his curious London/Spanish accent and the fact that he made a £20,000 donation to help those affected in the Grenfell Tower fire.
- Mo Salah - Seems like sound auld skins but are probably too big a player to be so universally liked.
- David De Gea - Again, seems like a nice chap, but is too much of a scourge to opposition to be in with a shout.
