EPL stats: Players with most appearances in Premier League history

There is no bigger test for a player than to maintain his standard consistently at the top level. Many players have shown promises at an early age and some have even gone on to have a couple of memorable seasons. However, only few players have been able to maintain that level for a longer period of time. With the modern game constantly evolving and the challenges become ever so difficult, a footballer must stay at the top of his game if he has to succeed at the highest level.

It is easier said than done. Some players get carried away with early success, while others are found out by the opposition. Therefore, a player must keep evolving his game in order to establish himself at a top team. The challenge does not get bigger than the English Premier League for a footballer these days. The fast-paced physical football is not for everyone. Many players with enormous potential have travelled to England but failed to live up to the required standard. This shows how difficult it is for a player to maintain his level at a Premier League club for a longer period.

Which player holds the all-time Premier League appearance record?

The player who has made the most appearances in Premier League is former English midfielder Gareth Barry. The deep-lying midfielder has had a long career in English top flight which dates back from 1998 to 2020. In this period, he has played for a variety of clubs such as Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion. He has made an astonishing 652 appearances in the Premier League during this time.

Second in the list is former Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs. Unlike Barry, Giggs has been a one club player. He has devoted his entire domestic career to Man United. In a remarkable career that spanned over two decades, the former Welsh winger-turned-midfielder had won several accolades at Old Trafford. Under Sir Alex Ferguson’s management, Giggs was one of the crowd favourites. He has made a total of 632 Premier League appearances. It was an appearance record at one point but was latter surpassed by Gareth Barry.

James Milner closing in on the top spot

Liverpool’s versatile player James Milner is third on the list with 610 Premier League appearances. Milner has been an ever-present figure in the English top flight for a long time. He has played for clubs like Newcastle United and Aston Villa before making a name at Manchester City and Liverpool. Milner, who can play in various positions on a football pitch, had recently overtaken Frank Lampard’s appearance record in the league to secure the third spot. Milner might be 37 years old but he is still going strong for the Anfield outfit, hence, surpassing Barry’s appearance record of 652 might not be totally behind him. Read the list below to know more about the all-time Premier League appearance record.

More football stats: EPL stats – Who are the current longest serving managers in Premier League?

Champions League stats: Top 10 second-leg comebacks that shocked the world

Manchester United stats: Erik ten Hag’s side have lost all away games against top nine sides in Premier League