Like many sporting organisations, the Premier League now boasts a Hall of Fame. The English top flight may have been late to the party in terms of only just introducing a way to celebrate their most decorated players, but better late than never we suppose! 

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer were the first two players to book their place in the Hall of Fame, but it’s only a matter of time before several more players who helped improved their team’s Premier League odds are introduced. So, without further ado, let’s look at some of the players who are in the running to join Henry and Shearer in the lucrative institution. 

Dennis Bergkamp

Dennis Bergkamp made a huge 315 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, scoring 87 league goals in his 11 years in North London. He helped the Gunners win the Premier League on three occasions, including when they won the top flight unbeaten in 2003-04.

Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona is bidding to become the second French international inducted to the Premier League Hall of Fame. Cantona moved from Leeds United to Manchester United in 1992 and won the Premier League title on four occasions with the Red Devils. He made 143 league appearances for the club, scoring 64 times. 

Roy Keane

Hard-hitting Irishman Roy Keane could be admitted to the Hall of Fame alongside his Manchester United teammate Cantona. Keane moved to Old Trafford from Nottingham Forest for £3.75m, a record-breaking British transfer fee, and went on to make 326 league appearances in 13 seasons, winning a jaw-dropping seven league titles in the process.

Steven Gerrard

Steven Gerrard is one of three former Liverpool players currently amongst the nominees for the next round of Hall of Fame inductees, the others being strikers Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler. Gerrard made just over 500 league appearances across a 17-season spell at Anfield, scoring 120 times but never getting his hands on the title.

Paul Scholes

One-club midfielder Paul Scholes enjoyed a trophy-laden 20 seasons at Old Trafford. He fell just one league appearance short of 500 outings for Manchester United, but we doubt he cares too much as he hung up his boots with 11 Premier League winners’ medals. 

John Terry

John Terry could be the first defender inducted to the Hall of Fame. The centre-back made over 490 appearances for Chelsea, winning the league title on five occasions with the Stamford Bridge side. His 41 goals also make him the highest-scoring defender in the league’s history. 

Patrick Viera

Patrick Viera is another player from Arsenal’s heyday in with a chance of being inducted to the Hall of Fame. The tough midfielder, who loved a battle in the middle of the park with Keane, made 279 league appearances for Arsenal, winning three league titles. He later spent a year-and-a-half at Manchester City, but made less than 30 appearances for the side. 

Frank Lampard 

Another Chelsea legend on this list is their all-time top scorer Frank Lampard. The midfielder had spells at West Ham United, Chelsea and Manchester City. However, it was at Stamford Bridge where he enjoyed the most success, scoring 147 league goals in 429 league appearances and winning three league titles. 

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Other nominees include Tony Adams, David Beckham, Sol Campbell, Andy Cole, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Matt Le Tissier and Peter Schmeichel.