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Six of the Best Americans in Premier League History

Blake RobertsBy Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 31 July 2023
Blake Roberts Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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An image of a goalkeeper saving a ball Best Americans in Premier League History

The English Premier League (EPL) is arguably the best soccer league in the world and has been home to some of the biggest stars of all time. On this page, we’re going to look at the Premier League from a US perspective, looking at the best Americans in Premier League history.

US Players in the Premier League

The EPL, renowned as one of the world’s most competitive leagues, has witnessed some great American talent over the years. From goalkeepers to midfielders and strikers, US players have made their mark in England.

This blog looks at a few of the biggest US soccer players in Premier League history including legendary icons like Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard. Each of these players holds a unique place in the history of the EPL, having contributed significantly to their respective teams and, by extension, to American soccer’s reputation on the international stage.

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The Best American EPL Players: Kasey Keller

Originally from Olympia, Washington, Keller launched his professional career in 1989 with the Portland Timbers in Oregon. Despite his short stint with the Timbers, Keller’s performances didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot in the U.S. team for the 1990 World Cup, an achievement that led to him signing with English club Millwall in 1992.

Keller’s time with Millwall solidified his standing in the English soccer scene, and he made a significant 178 appearances during his four-season spell. After Millwall, his English journey continued, with Leicester City acquiring him in 1996 after his former team’s relegation to English soccer’s third tier.

Keller also briefly ventured into Spanish soccer with La Liga’s Rayo Vallecano, only to return to England when Tottenham Hotspur signed him back in 2001. His time with Spurs saw him secure the coveted first-choice goalkeeper spot for two seasons. His Premier League journey concluded at Fulham FC, playing alongside another American legend, Clint Dempsey.

Alongside his time in the EPL, Keller was also a prolific US team player, racking up some 102 appearances, and appeared in four World Cups. One of his most memorable moments was his performance in the 1-0 victory against Brazil in 1998 – a game that earned him legendary status.

The Phenomenon of Clint Dempsey

One of the best US players in Premier League history, Clint Dempsey built himself a reputation as one of the most flexible soccer players in EPL, regularly switching between roles such as an attacking midfielder, winger, and striker.

Dempsey kicked off his career playing with Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution – and he showed instant promise, netting 25 goals in just 71 appearances. His abilities on the field not only secured two consecutive playoff titles for the club but also led them to the MLS Cup final in 2005.

Dempsey’s abilities with the New England Revolution didn’t go unnoticed in Europe, with English side Fulham FC particularly interested in his potential. In December 2006, they made a successful bid for Dempsey, setting a record for the priciest transfer deal ever seen in the MLS.

After that move, Dempsey donned the Fulham jersey 145 times, scoring an impressive 33 goals. He topped the club’s goal-scoring charts on several occasions. One of Dempsey’s most memorable contributions to Fulham came in 2009, when he led the club to its highest-ever finish in the Premier League, finishing in seventh place.

On the international scene, Dempsey was a core player on the US team, first playing way back in 2004. His performance at the 2010 FIFA World Cup was impressive, and he was the only US player to score against England during the group stages. While now retired, Clint’s legacy remains, and he’s not just one of the best US soccer players, but he was also one of the best in the EPL when he played.

Brad Friedel: A Legend Between the Sticks

Brad Friedel, after years of dedication to four different Premier League teams, has, in our opinion, earned his place in history as one of the most iconic American goalkeepers. Friedel’s career took off in 1997 with Columbus Crew, before he made the move to Liverpool. Despite limited appearances with Liverpool, Friedel’s consistent performances led to a move to Blackburn in 2000, where he played a significant role in their promotion to the Premier League.

Friedel’s on-pitch abilities at Blackburn saw him achieve the rare feat of scoring as a goalkeeper, and his performances piqued the interest of Manchester City and Aston Villa. He finally moved to Villa Park, after which his last transfer to Tottenham Hotspur marked, in our opinion, the highest point of his career.

While he ended his career at Spurs, Friedel went on to coach the New England Revolution team between 2017 and 2019. We should note that he played on the US national team, too, representing the US at three FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Tim Howard: America’s Keeper

Next on the list is Tim Howard, another US goalkeeper who played in the Premier League. Raised in New Jersey, Howard’s professional soccer career started with the North Jersey Imperials, quickly followed by a move to Major League Soccer’s New York Metrostars (now the New York Red Bulls). His form earned him the youngest ever MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award in 2001.

Howard’s career really took off, however, back in 2003, when he signed for Manchester United. At the time, he was one of only a few Americans playing in the Premier League. His time with the Red Devils was marked by limited first-team opportunities, but it was also where he became the first American to earn an FA Cup winners medal in 2004.

2006 saw Howard loaned to Everton as a replacement for the retiring Nigel Martyn. His exceptional performances earned him a permanent spot on the team, leading to 156 appearances and him setting a club record for the most clean sheets in a season. He made more than 300 appearances for Everton – and later went on to play for the Colorado Rapids once he decided to leave the EPL.

Marcus Hahnemann: Football League Championship Team of the Year

Marcus Hahnemann is another American goalkeeper who first rose to fame back in 2002 when he was signed by Reading FC, having previously spent time with Fulham. Reading were promoted to the Premier League in 2006 and the same season, Hahnemann was among the selections for the Football League Championship Team of the Year.

Reading chose to continue with Hahnemann as their primary keeper in their first Premier League season – and the gamble ended up paying off, with Hahnemann securing 13 clean sheets, registering the highest saves among all Premier League goalkeepers, and helping to take Reading to an impressive eighth-place finish.

Unfortunately, Reading’s abilities couldn’t be maintained the following year, landing them back in the Championship. In 2009, Hahnemann’s skills were recognized by the newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, who offered him a one-year contract. His impressive performance for Wolves saw him achieve the highest Castrol Index for any goalkeeper that year.

Unfortunately, Hahnemann’s career in the Premier League was littered with ups and downs, with his real impact only being felt in his mid-30’s. His career might have taken a different route had he been given a fair chance by Fulham FC after signing with them in 1999, but his signing coincided with the arrival of Edwin van der Sar, who managed to outperform Hahnemann and become the team’s first-choice keeper.

Brian McBride: The Trailblazer

Brian McBride was one of the most successful American soccer players in Europe. He enjoyed a lengthy career and is regarded as one of the trailblazers of US players in the EPL. He even managed to captain a Premier League team.

McBride’s European journey began in Germany with Wolfsburg in 1994, before moving to Columbus. His success in Major League Soccer with Columbus Crew, where he scored 62 goals, attracted attention from teams in the EPL, and he went on loan to Everton in 2003, where his impressive abilities led to him being transferred to Fulham.

McBride scored 41 goals in 151 appearances with Fulham – even leading the club’s goal tally in the 2006-07 season. This achievement saw him become the team captain, and his legacy at Craven Cottage remains to this day. If you’re interested in learning about other American EPL players, check out some additional names below:

Player Teams
Claudio Reyna Manchester City
Christian Pulisic Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund
Carlos Bocanegra Fulham
Landon Donovan Everton
John Harkes Sheffield Wednesday

Frequently Asked Questions

Seeing American EPL players is still somewhat uncommon, at least when compared to many other nationalities. However, US players in the Premier League are increasing, and as the sport continues to grow here in the States, it's likely we'll see more players moving to the world's most prestigious soccer league.

Who are some notable American players in the English Premier League?

The English Premier League has seen a few American players. Some of the most prominent names include goalkeepers like Tim Howard and Brad Friedel, who had lengthy and successful careers with teams like Everton and Blackburn Rovers respectively. Clint Dempsey is another well-known name, known for his goal-scoring abilities during his time with Fulham.

What is Marcus Hahnemann's claim to fame in the Premier League?

Marcus Hahnemann rose to fame during Reading FC's stint in the Premier League in the 2006-2007 season. Despite the team's subsequent relegation, Hahnemann's excellent goalkeeping performances, which included 13 clean sheets and the highest number of saves among all Premier League goalkeepers, earned him widespread recognition.

When did Clint Dempsey start playing for Fulham FC, and what was his impact?

Clint Dempsey joined Fulham FC in December 2006, a transfer that marked the most expensive deal in MLS history at the time. During his time at the club, Dempsey made 145 appearances, netting 33 goals. His significant contribution in the 2009 season helped Fulham achieve their highest-ever Premier League finish, a respectable seventh place.

What are some highlights of Tim Howard's career in the Premier League?

Tim Howard's Premier League journey began in 2003 with Manchester United. Despite limited appearances, in 2004 he became the first American to win an FA Cup. He was loaned to Everton in 2006, where he performed outstandingly, setting a club record for the most clean sheets in a single season and making over 300 appearances.

What teams did Kasey Keller play for?

During his time in the EPL, Keller played for three clubs: Millwall, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. He made significant contributions to each team, showcasing his goalkeeping skills and earning a reputation as a reliable shot-stopper in one of the world's most competitive soccer leagues.
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