Ever since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the stature of football in Eastern Europe has grown immeasurably. The recent World Cup qualification success of Slovenia, Slovakia and Serbia, as well as the recent achievements of Croatia, Russia and the Czech Republic serve as prime examples of the quality which abounds in the region. As the football has improved, it is only natural that players from those nations are testing themselves in the best league in the world – the Premier League. Sport.co.uk charts the Top Ten Eastern Europeans to play in the EPL.
Andrey Arshavin (Russia)
The Russian captain has only played in England since January, yet his impact has been profound. Not content with scoring four goals in one game against Liverpool, Arshavin’s honesty and work-ethic have won him many fans since his move from Zenit St. Petersburg. Spectacular strikes have become his trademark, while quick-footed runs and dribbling abilities have fit perfectly with Arsene Wenger’s attacking philosophy. An Arsenal favourite, and surely a Premier League icon for years to come
Petr Cech (Czech Republic)
Cech arrived at Chelsea in 2004 a relative unknown. Two league titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, three UEFA European Goalkeeper of the Year awards and a distinctive ‘hat’ later, the Czech international has become arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He currently holds the Premier League record for the longest run of games without conceding which amounts to a massive 1,025 minutes.
Davor Suker (Croatia)
While Croatian striker Davor Suker’s stay in England, which saw him play for both Arsenal and West Ham United, was somewhat disappointing, his best years, where he played for Real Madrid for three years, made him one of the best strikers in the world. Suker’s Croatia were the surprise package of the 1998 World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals before succumbing to hosts and eventual winners France. Suker won the Golden Boot at the tournament and was named the best player in Croatia’s (short-lived) history in 2003.
Andrei Kanchelskis (Russia)
Kanchelskis was one of the early Eastern European imports to England, and was one of the inaugural Premier League winners with Manchester United in 1993. The right-winger, whose trickery and skill frequently embarrassed defenders eventually moved to Everton before leaving for Italy. While he returned in his later years to play for Rangers, Manchester City and Southampton, Kanchelskis is better known for being the only person to score in Mancunian, Merseyside and Old Firm derbies.
Alexey Smertin (Russia)
Following the Roman Abramovich “Russian Revolution” at Chelsea in 2003, Smertin (then the Russian national captain) was lured to Stamford Bridge at the apparent behest of the new cash-rich owner. However, competing against some of the best players in Europe for a starting berth Smertin found it difficult to make an impact and was loaned out to Portsmouth. Upon his return to west London, Smertin’s role at Chelsea remained limited, before he was again loaned to Charlton. After sold, and released by Dynamo Moscow, Smertin reappeared in the capital, this time at Fulham. Again, after just 22 appearances, his contract was terminated. While Smertin promised so much, his time in England was a relative failure.
Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria)
Berbatov, the supremely skilled (but incredibly languid) striker was first seen in the Premier League after being signed by Martin Jol for Tottenham in 2006. His time at Tottenham was an unprecedented success; working in tandem with Robbie Keane’s terrier-like energy the Bulgarian hitman notched a worthy 23 goals in each of his seasons in north London. As his star rose, it was inevitable that bigger clubs would be interested, and while Tottenham refused to sell him, Manchester United eventually signed the want-away striker on transfer deadline day 2008. Winning his first EPL title in 2009, Berbatov has also experienced Champions League heartbreak on two occasions losing finals with both United (vs Barcelona ‘09) and Bayer Leverkusen (vs Real Madrid ‘02).
Nemanja Vidic (Serbia)
Another Manchester United player to make the top ten, Vidic is the current holder of the Premier League Player of the Season, following his integral role in United's miserly defence during their 2008-09 season. Vidic was also part of the Serbian 'Famous Four', whose defence only conceded one goal during qualification for the 2006 World Cup. Gaining a cult-hero status for his aggressive, no-nonsense defensive style, the brave centre-half is set for his second World Cup appearance at next year’s showpiece in South Africa.
Aliaksandr Hleb (Belarus)
Becoming the first Belarussian to appear in the Premier League, Hleb played for Arsenal from 2005 to 2008. The injury-prone attacking midfielder, utilised 'in the hole' by Arsene Wenger, was at one point described as, "the most skilful player in the league," by pundit Andy Gray. Inspiring Arsenal to several memorable victories wins (such as beating Slavia Prague 7-0 in the Champions League), Hleb's time at the Emirates ended without any silverware. He eventually moved to Barcelona for €15 million but after a single season, spent predominantly on the substitutes’ bench, he returned to former side Stuttgart in the Bundesliga,
Martin Skrtel (Slovakia)
Born in the former state of Czechoslovakia in 1984, the towering centre-half has bullied many top class strikers since his move to Liverpool in January 2008. The shaven-headed Slovak has the ability to terrify any attacker, with his 6 ft 4 inch frame able to impose himself in the air against anyone. Signed from Zenit St. Petersburg for £6.5 million, Skrtel has become a valued part of Rafael Benitez’s and notched his first goals for the club against Manchester City at the weekend.
Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine)
As with Suker, Andriy Shevchenko achieved legendary status on the continent, but failed to replicate his form in England. After being propelled to fame by a hat-trick against Barcelona for homeland side Dynamo Kiev, Shevchenko became an AC Milan cult hero soaring to second in the San Siro side’s all-time greatest goal scoring ranks. Snapped up by Chelsea for over £30 million in 2006 (after captaining Ukraine to their first ever World Cup), the Champions League winner saw his form dip dramatically. He scored on only nine occasions while in London and was eventually loaned back to the Rossoneri before signing for Dynamo Kiev last summer. Renowned by mMilan fans as one of their greatest players, Shevchenko will be remembered in England as one of the Premier League's biggest flops.