Germany has often been praised for bringing about some of the most technically gifted and masterful players that the sport of football has ever seen. That said, we have seen some German premier league players that, across their illustrious tenures, have left spectators in complete awe and disbelief, taking their breath away with their abilities. Since the early 2000s and the 2010’s there has been an influx of top German players in the Premier League that have managed to leave their mark in their own ways.

Whilst the German national team has often been held in high regard, along with teams in the Bundesliga, ever so often we see players with remarkable ability make their way into the Premier League, and more often than not, turn out as a massive success. Whilst there have been innumerable top German players throughout the history of the sport, we will be taking a look specifically at the top German premier league players with this one. 

Throughout the course of the history of the English top flight, we have seen countless German premier league players, some more influential and impactful than others. As such, our list will include players both active and retired, in an effort to ensure that all those deserving to be in the list of top German players in the Premier League are taken into account. 

List of the All-Time Best German Premier League Football Players

As mentioned previously, the Premier League has seen some top German talent come in from overseas across its 32-year existence. That said, it is slightly difficult to narrow down the list to only 10 players. As such, in order to make things work, we will be basing our rankings according to the criteria and factors that we have kept in our previous lists. As such, the players that have a better rating according to our set metrics, will be ranked higher on the list. 

Ranking Factors

The final order of the list of the best French footballers in the history of the Premier League provides a gentle reminder of how clinical the French superstars were at times. The key factors that decided this tally are:

• Stats in the Premier League
• Premier League titles and other trophies won
• Influence
• Longevity

With all those things taken into consideration, let us begin by counting down the top 10 best German premier league players.

#10. Kai Havertz 

When the highly touted German wonderkid Kai Havertz made his way to the Premier League in 2020, there was a lot of hype behind his name. Having enjoyed a couple of stellar campaigns at Bayer Leverkusen, the prodigal attacking midfielder attracted interest from a number of top clubs across Europe. That said, Chelsea acquired his services for a club-record high fee of £62 million. Whilst his three years at South London saw him lift numerous trophies, his performances on the pitch left much to be desired. Regardless, he made several notable contributions, which included scoring the winner in the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League final. 

In 2023, Havertz made the switch to Arsenal in North London and now playing as a striker, made a big impact for the side that took Manchester City to the wire in the Premier League. Whilst some suggest that he is frustrating to watch, Havertz has garnered tremendous praise from players and managers for his technical ability, understanding of the game, and knack for scoring. 

Also Read: Top 20 Best French Footballers in Premier League History | Ranked

#9. Robert Huth 

Robert Huth might not be the first name that comes to mind when talking about the best German Premier League players. That said, Huth was a German powerhouse that played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s miraculous ‘5000-1 odds’ Premier League title win in 2015-2016. A leader and a rock at the back for the Foxes, Huth also had a knack for chipping in with pivotal goals for the side. That said, his time with Leicester City was not his only taste of Premier League success, which is something that many forget. 

For those unaware, Huth had already lifted the Premier League twice at Chelsea, playing a supporting role during their triumphs in 2004–05 and 2005–06. Unfortunately, his Premier League winner’s medal in 2006 was thrown to the fans by Jose Mourinho. Regardless, he will go down as one of the best German Premier League players and one of the league’s most accomplished defenders.

#8. Dietmar Hamann

Dietmar Hamann initially arrived in Newcastle as a youngster from Bayern Munich before moving to Liverpool. At Anfield, Hamann became a pivotal player at the heart of the Reds’ midfield for seven seasons. That said, he was also a part of the Liverpool side that overcame tremendous odds to lift the Champions League trophy in 2005. Additionally, Hamann would have further stints at Manchester City and MK Dons prior to his transition into management. An underrated name by all means, Hamman’s impact is often omitted from the League’s greatest. 

All things considered, Dietmar Hamman deserves his place on this list, purely based on his impact, influence, and longevity which saw Liverpool secure numerous titles during his tenure. Whilst he may have been a bit-part player Hamann solidified his status as one of the club’s most key players at that time, which is high praise considering the many world beaters among their ranks at the time.

#7. Per Mertesacker

One of the most easily recognizable footballers on the planet owing to his massive height and stature, which subsequently earned him the nickname, ‘BFG’ (Big Friendly Giant) Per Mertesacker made a name for himself in the Bundesliga fixtures before his making his way over to the Premier League at Arsenal. A rock at the back and forming an indomitable partnership with Laurent Koscielny, Mertesacker became well-known for his reading of the game and overall defensive prowess, which made up for his deficiencies when it came to speed.

At the same time, Mertesacker emerged as a leader, having accumulated a wealth of knowledge and being a World Cup winner with Germany as well. Although the man-mountain did not win a Premier League title with the Gunners, his consistency saw the club lift plenty of silverware. Notably, one of Mertesacker’s most iconic moments in an Arsenal shirt came when he had a standout moment in the 2017 FA Cup final, despite having played limited minutes all season.

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#6. Leroy Sane

Following his stellar performances at Schalke, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was very keen to acquire the services of Leroy Sane. In 2016, the German starlet made his way to the Etihad and quickly showed glimpses of his boundless potential. However, his first season in Manchester was marred by health complications, and in 2017, Sane had his breakout season which saw him win the PFA Young Player of the Year award, whilst narrowly missing out on the Playmaker Award as well. Lightning-fast, sharp dribbler, with an eye for a goal or a line-breaking pass, Sane was as prolific and creative as a winger could be.

For all his good work on the pitch, Sane soon started struggling with injuries and a case of homesickness which was made even greater when German giants Bayern Munich registered their interest in the player. Despite an ACL injury, Sane ultimately completed his much-awaited move to Bavaria and has been with the club ever since. Despite this, his impact in the Premier League however brief it may have been deserves to be high up on this list. 

#5. Jens Lehmann

Up next is one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and a big contender for one of the top German football players of all time. Jens Lehmann was a trendsetter for goalkeepers owing to his monstrous performances during Arsenal’s Invincibles era and so on. Often overlooked among the best German goalkeepers category owing to stern competition from some of the best in the game, but Lehmann can hold his own even in those conversations. 

With three stellar seasons at the peak of his powers, Lehmann did his best work between the posts for Arsenal. Holding the UEFA Champions League record for the most consecutive clean sheets, Lehmann’s impact in Arsenal’s Invincibles team and then on was immeasurable and a job that less than a handful of goalkeepers in the sport’s history could have accomplished. To further add to his already immense legacy, Lehmann even came out of retirement to aid the club, when faced with a goalkeeper crisis in 2011.

#4. Antonio Rudiger

When Antonio Rudiger first arrived at Chelsea from Italy, there was a certain doubt about the defender’s unpredictable, unserious character. That said, by the time he exited the club, he was arguably one of the best centre-backs in the world and was swiftly picked up by Real Madrid. Known for his sleek yet strong build and bags of pace despite his age, Rudiger had a habit of popping up with the odd worldie of a goal that would blow the roof off of stadiums at times.

Despite not finding Premier League success, Rudiger added more than enough domestic trophies to his resume and most importantly, played a pivotal role for Chelsea in their 2021 Champions League campaign as well. A mixed bag at times and occasionally erratic, the German is guaranteed entertainment every time he sets foot on the pitch. 

#3. Mesut Ozil

One of the most polarizing figures in football, Mesut Ozil’s arrival in North London seemed to be a massive coup for the Gunners. That said, Ozil’s time at Arsenal was quite divisive among the fanbase with some holding the player in very high regard whilst others wanted to get rid of him for the longest time. That said, on his day, Ozil was one of the best German Premier League players and was quite frankly, unplayable. Arriving in 2013, the 2015-16 season saw Ozil at his creative best, leading the assist record and coming excruciatingly close to breaking Thierry Henry’s record.

Whilst subsequent seasons saw the German lose a yard of pace before his eventual phasing out and differences with the newly appointed manager Unai Emery, Ozil always held the North London club in high regard and to this day keeps up to date with the matches and shows his support. As a result, he has a certain section of the fanbase devoted to him amongst the Arsenal faithful. 

#2. Michael Ballack

Whilst Michael Ballack may not have been the one of best Chelsea midfielders of all time, there was something about the German maestro that made his side tick. Despite setbacks due to injury, Ballack was one of the most important players in a Chelsea squad that finished runner-up and as champions in consecutive seasons. Being a massive influence and even club captain for a while injuries did not prevent Ballack from showing his qualities as a player.

Known for his ability to create and delightfully strike the ball, Ballack’s contributions saw Chelsea achieve a lot of success and nearly add a Champions League to that tally as well. Unfortunately, his time at the club came to an end when despite Carlo Ancelotti’s wishes, owner Roman Abramovich chose not to extend the German’s stay with the club. That said, Ballack also holds an extraordinary record in the Premier League for losing a record low of 10 games in all his time playing for Chelsea. 

#1. Ilkay Gundogan

Another German midfield master with an unparalleled understanding of the game, which Pep Guardiola immediately recognized and recruited. Ilkay Gundogan is not just the best German Premier League player but also the most intelligent and aware player that the league has ever witnessed. While he may not be the quickest or the most physical with his approach, Gundogan’s impact in facilitating an intricate and precise system saw Manchester City go on an unrelenting winning run in the Premier League. 

After only a season away from England, Guardiola chose to bring back his former midfield chief who brought so much success to the club. Truly the most accomplished German player in the league, Gundogan’s career is an example of how football is as equally played with the mind as it is with the feet. 

Also Read: Top 20 Best French Footballers in Premier League History | Ranked