The 2000s as a decade saw some incredible footballers ply their trade in the Premier League. The likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry all shone in England's top flight at one time or another during the first 10 years of the 21st century and, as a result, it can be difficult to decide who was ultimately the best player in the Premier League during that time period.
Some would say Gerrard and his work as Liverpool's superhero has earned him the honour, while others would highlight Wayne Rooney's exploits at Manchester United as he was on his way to becoming the club's all-time top scorer. Roy Keane, though, would name another former Red Devil.
The Irishman picked one of his teammates at Old Trafford and while Gary Neville also played alongside them under Sir Alex Ferguson, he disagreed on the pick.
Roy Keane's Best Premier League Player of the 2000s
Gary Neville didn't agree
During an episode of the Stick to Football show, the topic of the best Premier League players in the 2000s was raised. Opinions were split and Keane decided to pick Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese sensation is one of the greatest players of all time and spent six years at Old Trafford before leaving for Real Madrid in 2009. During his time in Manchester, he transformed from a promising prospect to a world-class superstar.
By the time he left, he'd become one of the best footballers to ever play in the division, but Neville didn't agree with Keane and thought there was actually someone more deserving. The former full-back picked Arsenal legend Henry. As quoted by United in Focus, he said:
"I think Henry to be honest in that period, probably, is the one that would be chosen."
Both men are some of the best to ever play football, so it's easy to see why they were selected. Henry spent eight years in north London, first signing for the Gunners in 1999. He transitioned from a winger to a striker during his time under Arsene Wenger and it saw him flourish and become an icon.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Thierry Henry
Ronaldo
236
103
39
3
By the time he departed for Barcelona in 2007, he had played 377 times for Arsenal and scored 228 goals, assisting a further 101. To many, he's the best to ever play in England, but not to Keane.
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and accurate as of 03/08/2025