The Best Ever Players to Play for Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal

Football history is rich with legendary players who have graced the very best clubs in the world. When it comes to Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal, the question of who is the best ever to have played for these clubs often arises. As an SEO expert, I aim to explore this topic through a lens that considers the unique contributions of each club and their famous players.

Historical Context and Transfers

It's important to note that no player in history has played for all three of these clubs. However, a few notable transfers stand out. Allenby Chilton, for instance, played over 350 games for Manchester United after being signed from Liverpool in 1938. Phil Chisnall likewise moved from Manchester United to Liverpool in 1964, being the last player to directly transfer between these two historic clubs. Peter Beardsley spent a brief year at Manchester United early in his career, though his most legendary performances were at Newcastle and Liverpool.

Notable Players Across the Clubs

Michael Owen, who played for both Manchester United and Liverpool, was a sensational talent, particularly at Liverpool. However, his best years were undoubtedly at Liverpool, where he truly excelled. Among those who played for the most prominent clubs, Nicolas Anelka stands out, having played for Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea, though he never played for Manchester United.

Best Ever Players at Each Club

Based on my subjective opinion and the greatest players I remember watching during my lifetime, I would rank the best ever players at each club as follows:

Manchester United

For Manchester United, the crown of the best ever player likely goes to Eric Cantona. Known for his superb goalscoring abilities and spectal cut-dribbling skills, Cantona was a true legend. The choice might also lean towards Ruud van Nistelrooy, but given his time with the club and the impact he had, Cantona still stands out for his character and style.

Liverpool

Liverpool has a rich history of renowned players, with Kenny Dalglish standing out as the focal point of their European Cup wins. Reading between the lines, Dalglish's incredible dribbling, goalscoring ability, and leadership were unmatched, making him the top player for Liverpool.

Arsenal

Arsenal's choice is less clear, with several candidates. However, Thierry Henry is a no-brainer. During his time at Arsenal, he was unstoppable when he was at his best, leading the team to success and fame. His goalscoring record and influence on the team during his tenure solidify his position as the best ever player to wear the Arsenal stripes.

Conclusion

While definitive answers to such questions are subjective, historical context and the impact of individual players on their clubs provide valuable insights. Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal have all produced exceptional talent, with Eric Cantona, Kenny Dalglish, and Thierry Henry, respectively, being the best ever to have played for each club.