The very best signings from France to the English top tier.
Ligue 1 has always been a source of top quality players for the Premier League and over the years there have been some really brilliant imports from the French top tier.
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Here are nine of the best:
9. Jay Jay Okocha – Paris Saint-Germain to Bolton Wanderers, 2002
Sam Allardyce may be synonymous with physical and non-aesthetically pleasing teams, but bringing this Nigerian to England was a real bonus for those who admire technique and skill.
8. David Ginola – Paris Saint-Germain to Newcastle United, 1995
Another attacking midfielder now who oozed class and would later star for Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa as well, with Ginola being a cliche of the French – arrogant, good-looking and talented.
7. Jurgen Klinsmann – AS Monaco to Tottenham Hotspur, 1998
Would enjoy two spells at White Hart Lane, but it was the first when the German essentially single-handedly saved Spurs from relegation that will be remebered the fondest in North London.
6. Nicolas Anelka – Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal, 1997
Would go onto play for five other English clubs – and win the title again with Chelsea – but it was whilst with the Gunners that Anelka showed exactly what he was capable of before being dubbed ‘Le Sulk.’
5. Petr Cech – Rennes to Chelsea, 2004
No goalkeeper has kept more Premier League clean-sheets than this Czech Republic international, who although has now been usurped from his No.1 spot at Stamford Bridge, has been key to the Blues’ success over the past decade.
4. Patrice Evra – AS Monaco to Manchester United, 2006
Left Old Trafford this summer considered as one of the all-time greats due to his supreme presence going forward and defending and Evra was at the heart of a real boom period for the club.
3. Emmanuel Petit – AS Monaco to Arsenal, 1997
Had previously worked under Arsene Wenger at the Stade Louis II as a young player and once in England helped the Frenchman to his first league title alongside Patrick Vieira in central midfield.
2. Robert Pires, Olympique Marseille to Arsenal, 2000
Another Gunner now and someone who was bought in to replace Marc Overmars and although was a very different player, was arguably more effective than the Dutchman and was a key part in the ‘Invincibles’ team of 2003/04.
1. Didier Drogba, Olympqie Marseille to Chelsea, 2004
Top of the pile though and it’s another who joined from Marseille and upon first arriving in West London was thought of as a diving Pre-Madonna, but left as a true club legend – although has since rejoined the Blues.