Picking an All-Time Premier League XI

The launch of the Premier League in the 1992-93 season changed English football forever. As TV money poured in, teams found themselves able to attract the best players in Europe, and the standard increased dramatically as a result.

We're now in the 20th season of the competition, and English teams are arguably stronger than ever. Alongside homegrown talent there are players from practically every footballing nation you can think of, and competition for places is fierce in every one of the 20 teams.

Here's my all-time Premier League XI, based on the players I think have had the most impact since the dawn of English football's bold new era in 1992.

Arguably the founding father of goalkeeping as we know it today, Schmeichel brought a searing intensity to the position and a presence that was often enough to put strikers off on its own.

The former Manchester United star was a superb shot-stopper, dominant under the high ball and distributed the ball better than any goalkeeper in history.

It's Gary Neville vs. Lee Dixon for the right-back spot, and in my opinion Neville edges it. In his 400 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, Neville never gave anything less than complete devotion to the task at hand.

A fierce competitor with fine concentration levels, Neville was the perfect foil for his friend and teammate David Beckham on United's right flank.

Chelsea's captain courageous has made well over 300 Premier League starts, and never given less than full-blooded commitment to the cause.

Strong in the air, composed on the deck, Terry is a natural leader who was hugely influential in Chelsea's three Premier League title wins.

It's back to United for the uncompromising talents of Nemanja Vidic. Twice Premier League Player of the Year, Vidic is probably the central defender most strikers would rather avoid.

Alongside Rio Ferdinand, he formed United's seemingly impenetrable central defense in the 2007-08 season.

Like him or loathe him, there's no disputing Ashley Cole is the best left-back in Premier League history.

Lightning fast, with excellent technique and strong defensive acumen, Cole would be on most manager's wanted list if he ever decided to leave Chelsea.

Cristiano Ronaldo took a couple of seasons to get going in England, but by the time he left, he had built a reputation as one of the best players on the planet.

As part of Manchester United's title winning teams in 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09, Ronaldo was at times unplayable going forward.

Patrick Vieira was a midfield collosus in every sense for Arsenal. A natural leader, who was strong in the tackle and composed in possession, Vieira had a drive and athleticism during his peak that made him the most effective central midfielder in England.

Arsenal won three titles with Vieira at their hub, and marched to the Double in 1997-98.

There are strong arguments for Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane, but to complement Vieira I want a creative player with the spark of genius. That man is Paul Scholes.

Xavi called him "the best midfielder of the last 20 years," and the role he played in leading Manchester United to unprecedented success should never be underestimated.

Ryan Giggs was there at the start of the Premier League era, and he's still there now. For his remarkable longevity alone he deserves every accolade, but when you consider he's been a hugely influential part of the most successful team of his generation in English football, Giggs simply has to be included in this lineup.

Having started out as a flying winger, the 37-year-old now moves into a more central role. His appearances are limited, but it says everything that when United played Liverpool at Anfield, Giggs was in the starting lineup.

Thierry Henry spent eight glorious seasons at Arsenal, displaying a seemingly effortless gift for the exceptional.

The Frenchman combined electric pace with clinical finishing and breathtaking imagination. He was a footballer who made everything look easy, and did things in an Arsenal shirt that will never be forgotten.

There are arguments here for Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney, perhaps even the likes of Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler. But none had quite the impact that Eric Cantona delivered at Manchester United.

The Frenchman came into a team who were looking for a way back to the top, and instilled a swaggering belief that opened the door for two decades of success. He did the simple things brilliantly, and made the brilliant look simple.