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11 Spanish stars who conquered the Premier League: From Silva to Rodri, who is the strongest bullfighter?

2:11pm, 8 July 2025Football

With Martin Zubimendi officially joining Arsenal, the midfielder from Real Sociedad will inject new Spanish descent into the Gunners. In fact, Zubimendi is just the third Spanish player to enter the Premier League this summer - before him, Antonio Cordero joined Newcastle and Fair Lopez transferred to Wolves.

Spanish players have long left a deep impression in the history of the Premier League. From the core of the organization to the frontline killer, from goalkeepers to all-round fighters, they have changed the style of English football with their skills and wisdom. This article will take you to take a look at the 11 most influential Spanish players in Premier League history to see who is the real "King of Bullfighters".

1. David Silva - Manchester City won 214 games in 309 Premier League games, and Silva deserves to be the most successful Spanish international in Premier League history. After joining Manchester City from Valencia in the summer of 2010, he handed in a double-double offensive data in the first season (goals + assists total), immediately conquering Manchester City fans.

Former teammate Tevez once called him "the best signing in Manchester City's history." He spans three head coaches Mancini, Pellegrini and Guardiola, and has always been the unshakable core of the midfield. Guardiola praised him: "I thought he would suffer in England, but he completely changed my mind."

10 seasons, 60 goals, 93 assists, 4 Premier League championship trophys, and 3 selected for the PFA lineup of the year. Silva wrote a legend belonging to the "Little Magician".

2. Cesc Fabregas - Arsenal/Chelsea

16 years old and 177 days to complete Arsenal's debut, Fabregas is destined to be extraordinary. He witnessed the glory of the "Gullers Invincible Armada" and once wore the captain's armband and became the center of the midfield in the Wenger era.

After moving to Barcelona in 2011, he returned to the Premier League to join Chelsea in 2014, and won the Premier League trophy twice under Mourinho and Conte.

The Spanish player with the most 350 Premier League games, with 111 assists being the third highest in the history of the Premier League. His passing art is enough to make him one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.

3.Rodri - Manchester City

The only Spanish midfielder still active in the Premier League. Since joining Manchester City in 2019, he has become an indispensable midfield barrier in Guardiola's system. Especially during the four consecutive championships from 2020 to 2024, Rodri's performance was extremely critical. He won the Golden Globes in 2024, proving that his influence has long surpassed England's locals.

Although he missed most of the season due to cruciate ligaments and meniscus injuries in the 2024/25 season, he has contributed 22 goals and 21 assists in 175 games, defining a new standard for modern defensive midfielders.

4. Fernando Torres - Liverpool/Chelsea

"Golden Boy" Torres is one of the most representative foreign scorers in the Premier League. Joined Liverpool in the summer of 2007, shocking Britain with 24 goals in the first quarter and being selected for the PFA lineup of the year. His efficiency in scoring 50 goals in 72 games, second only to Haaland, Cole, Hiller and Fanny.

In his three and a half years at Anfield, he scored 65 goals in 102 games. After switching to Chelsea in 2011, despite his decline in form, he contributed key goals and won the Champions League, Europa League and the FA Cup with the team.

In 212 Premier League games, he scored 85 goals and 29 assists, which will be recorded in history forever.

5.Xabi Alonso - After joining Liverpool in 2004, Alonso quickly became the soul of the midfield. His skills and vision made Captain Gerald admire: "He is the best midfielder I have ever partnered with." In 2005, he helped the team reverse the Champions League and won the FA Cup the next year. He conquered England with his elegant playing style and became one of the representative figures of Spanish players.

6. David De Gea - Manchester United

Espanyol with the most appearances in the Premier League (415 games), De Gea is the pillar of Manchester United's "post-Ferguson era".

Despite a difficult start, he quickly grew into a goalkeeper, won the Golden Gloves twice (2017/18, 2022/23), and was elected Premier League Player of the Month in January 2022 - the first goalkeeper to win this honor in six years.

He has completed a total of 147 clean sheets, second only to Cech, and is a legendary goalkeeper in Premier League history.

7. Cazorla - Arsenal, with balanced feet and agile changeable Cazorla is one of Wenger's most popular midfielders. After joining in 2012, he played every minute of the first season. He is competent in both midfield, sidelines or midfielders.

He sent Wigan to the relegation zone with 4 assists in a single game, and also left a strong mark with 25 goals and 35 assists in 129 games.

Despite being troubled by injuries in the later stage, he is still the "smiling little magician" in the hearts of fans.

8.Juan Mata - Chelsea/Manchester United

Joined Chelsea in 2011, Mata helped the team win the Champions League and the FA Cup in the first season. The best performance in his career with 12 goals and 12 assists in the 2012/13 season. After transferring to Manchester United in 2014, he conquered Anfield with a "double sound" and gradually became the technical core of Old Trafford.

278 Premier League games, 106 goals/assisted contributions, Mata is not only a midfielder, but also a fan's favorite.

9. César Azpilicueta - After joining from Marseille in 2012, the "Blue Iron Man" played for 11 years at Chelsea, ranking sixth in the team's history in more than 500 games.

As an all-round defender, he can play both left and right guards and central defenders, and is the most trusted candidate for all coaches. Two Premier League champions, two Europa Leagues, one Champions League... He wrote the legend of Blue Bridge with perseverance and stability.

10.Pepe Reina - Liverpool/Aston Villa

After joining Liverpool in 2005, Reina won the Golden Gloves for three consecutive years (2005-08), becoming one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Premier League.

He helped Liverpool win the FA Cup, League Cup and European Super Cup, leaving behind exciting data of 136 clean sheets in 291 games, and played for Aston Villa for a short time later.

11. Diego Costa - Chelsea/Wolves

Spanish striker from Brazil is known for his fierceness and efficiency. In 2014, he scored 20 goals in his first season to help the team win the championship.

returned to Atletico Madrid after winning the cup again in the 2016/17 season. He is the third Spanish scorer (53 goals) in Premier League history, second only to Torres and Silva.

89 games scored 52 goals for Chelsea, and Wolves scored another goal during their short-term role, which is temporarily unforgettable.

Conclusion: The reason why Spanish players can shine in the Premier League is not only because of their skills, but also because of their calmness and wisdom at critical moments. From Silva's magical pass, to Rodri's overall control, to Torres's explosive front line, they jointly wrote a green chapter that crossed national borders. Who is the strongest Spanish Premier League star in your mind? Welcome to leave a message for discussion!

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