Martin Keown, Dion Dublin, Harry Arter, Terry Hurlock, Danny Cullip, Ron Harris, Damien Delaney, Duncan Ferguson, Terry Hurlock, Gaetano Berardi, Andy Robertson, Bert Trautmann, Roy Keane, Duncan Ferguson, Kenny Burns, Oriol Romeu, Graham Roberts, Julian Dicks and Kevin Muscat are some of the toughest players to have ever graced the Premier League.
Arsenal’s Martin Keown was a formidable defender that opposition teams feared coming up against. His love, passion and winning mentality was evident both on and off the pitch. Aston Villa’s Dion Dublin was known for his full-blooded commitment and famously returned to the pitch just months after sustaining a potentially life-threatening broken neck. Bournemouth’s Harry Arter produced a stunning display in a win over Manchester United in 2015, just days after he and his partner tragically lost their daughter at birth.
Brentford’s Terry Hurlock was renowned for his fierce tackling and long hair and beard. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Danny Cullip was a captain who led by a mixture of inspiration and fear, which saw him win three promotions in five years as a player. Chelsea’s Ron Harris was a hard-nosed defender who led the Blues to FA Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup glory in the 1970s. Crystal Palace’s Damien Delaney was known for his full-blooded commitment on the pitch and famously faced off with Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge.
Everton’s Duncan Ferguson was every defender’s worst nightmare and an absolute powerhouse. His presence will be forever an Everton legend. Fulham’s Terry Hurlock earned a record 61 disciplinary points before having to retire after breaking his leg in a friendly. Leeds United’s Gaetano Berardi was so passionate about the club that his physical fight on the pitch earned him the nickname ‘warrior’. Leicester City’s Wes Morgan was a straightforward defender and no-nonsense player who consistently raised standards on the pitch.
Liverpool’s Andy Robertson is always the first to rile up the opposition fans and players and has the mental and physical toughness to match. Manchester City’s Bert Trautmann famously played with a broken neck during the 1956 FA Cup final against Birmingham City and made crucial saves in order for City to lift the cup. Manchester United’s Roy Keane was a ferocious competitor who never settled for second best and is without doubt the toughest player to ever play in the Premier League.
Newcastle United’s Duncan Ferguson scared the life out of players on the pitch with just a stare and was never afraid to get stuck in. Nottingham Forest’s Kenny Burns once headbutted an Arsenal player as he lined up to defend a free-kick. Southampton’s Oriol Romeu picked up 63 yellow cards during his 11-year spell in the Premier League but never saw red. Tottenham Hotspur’s Graham Roberts famously lost two teeth during an accidental collision with a team-mate but refused to go off.
West Ham United’s Julian Dicks was known as ‘The Terminator’ for his combative style of play and never afraid to get stuck in. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Kevin Muscat was labelled “the most hated man in football” by Birmingham City player Martin Grainger and Peter Crouch said “Kevin Muscat scared me”. During his 19-year football career, he received 123 yellow cards and 12 reds.
These players are some of the toughest to have ever graced the Premier League. From Arsenal’s Martin Keown to Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Kevin Muscat, these players have shown their strength in tackles, been first on the scene when things flare up or simply need to say or do nothing for opponents to know not to be messed with. They have all left an indelible mark on their respective clubs, with their passion, commitment and fearlessness on the pitch.