The Greatest Ever Premier League Players From New Zealand

The Premier League has seen representation from almost every country in the world since its inauguration. New Zealand may not be the strongest soccer nation, but it has still seen several of its stars throughout history grace the biggest league in the world.

Some of New Zealand's greatest-ever Premier League players still have ongoing battles in the English top flight, while others retired many years ago.

The league may be more renowned for offering a home to legendary stars from New Zealand's neighbors Australia. However, there have been many iconic Kiwis who have played for some of England's huge clubs.

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Chris Wood

Chris Wood is perhaps the most well-known New Zealand soccer star in the modern game. He played for Burnley and Newcastle United, before joining his current team Nottingham Forest.

Wood has faced many relegation battles with his numerous sides, and has consistently been effective due to his aggressive target man style.

Nottingham Forest have made Chris Wood move permanent for £15m fee — deal was already agreed in January with Newcastle. 🔴🌳 #NFFC

Contract signed on player side too. pic.twitter.com/QzbLjgXMLQ — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 3, 2023

Wood is by far the all-time leading goalscorer from his nation in the league, boasting 56 goals to his name from his 204 appearances.

He has established himself as one of the greatest wildcard options in the current English top flight. If his team needs a goal, Wood is always likely to force it - whether he scores directly or creates space for his teammates.

Wood is by far the greatest New Zealander to ever play in England. He is the most prolific scorer that the nation has ever nurtured in general. But the island country in Oceania can also boast of many impressive defenders throughout the modern era.

Ryan Nelson

Ryan Nelson was one of the toughest and most committed central defenders that the Premier League has ever seen. He made his name at Blackburn Rovers, where he was the club captain.

He also went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers, although his time at Ewood Park was certainly the most memorable.

Nelson was a classic no-nonsense defender who was incredibly reliable. He even offered a significant offensive threat at set pieces having found the net on nine occasions in his 197 appearances in the league.

He is undoubtedly the greatest Kiwi defender to have featured in the league, and his set-piece antics have even made him the nation's second-leading goalscorer in Premier League history.

Winston Reid

Winston Reid was another tough defender who was once a regular starter in the Premier League. He made 166 appearances for West Ham and scored six goals in the process.

Reid established himself in West Ham's starting eleven for a period that ran between 2012 and 2018. Few of his compatriots have managed such longevity in the most competitive soccer league on the planet.

TOP TEN: The moment when @WinstonReid2 headed home the last Boleyn goal...➡️ https://t.co/yvSsnkI4DF pic.twitter.com/5Cz4SxLmjw

— West Ham United (@WestHam) May 27, 2016

Overall, Wood has by far the greatest Premier League legacy of any New Zealander. However, Nelson and Reid also enjoyed impressive careers at their respective clubs.

All that New Zealand has lacked is a quality midfield technician throughout the Premier League era, but perhaps one could emerge in the future who could challenge the all-time standings of great New Zealand players.

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Founded in 2020, I turned my lifelong passion for sport into WolfgangSport.com. As an Australian, I've always been fascinated with the cultural differences and global significance of sports in America so I started writing about topics on the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and more. Beyond these topics my vision with WolfgangSport.com is continuing to innovate by expanding exposure into developing technologies such as Web3 platforms as I explore elevating user experiences for readers.