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If you thought the Premier League was lacking a Hall of Fame, you’re in luck. There is one now! And the first eight vanquished (i.e. retired) warriors are being inducted into this Valhalla presently, with the powers that be choosing two already and leaving the rest up to a popular vote and a selection panel (or unknown weighting).
The two members chosen to ascend are Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry, the former a most obvious choice as the all-time leading goalscorer in the competition’s history, the latter somewhat less obvious choice as to why but whatever. (Not to say that Henry isn’t one of the greatest, but if we’re going for default inductees, shouldn’t someone with, say, most appearances or most titles or most [something] be there instead? But I digress.)
Two centre-forwards, both gifted with natural skill and talent who have written their names in Premier League history
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 26, 2021
We’re delighted to announce Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry as the first two inductees of the #PLHallOfFame pic.twitter.com/MAKgi3SYzV
The six remaining members of this inaugural class will be chosen from a shortlist of 23 players, four of whom are Chelsea legends. It really should’ve been five but Petr Čech somehow isn’t there. (In fact, Peter Schmeichel is the only goalkeeper nominated, because who needs goalkeepers, right?)
The four are of course John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Ashley Cole.
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That leaves two more spots for: Tony Adams, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Eric Cantona, Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Matt Le Tissier, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidić, Patrick Vieira, Ian Wright, or the aforementioned Schmeichel.
As is usually the case in such exercises in football, the list is heavily weighted towards attacking players. And putting Cantona there, with his grand total of five seasons in the league (and one kung fu kick assault on a spectator), is a bit a joke as well.
Oh well, these things are inherently silly anyway.
But you can vote here if you like. Voting closes on May 9, with the inductees announced a week later.
Which 6️⃣ nominees will you pick?
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 26, 2021
Voting for the 2021 Nominees is now open: https://t.co/nKh6qq0Ekx
#PLHallOfFame pic.twitter.com/iLS4gBYHl8