Ronaldo & Henry lead BBC's 10 best European imports in EPL history, Pogba not in

European players are often credited with helping to revolutionise the Premier League.

But just who is the best European player to feature in the Premier League era?

That is the subject to be discussed by Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright on the latest edition of the Match of The Day: Top 10 podcast.

To hear the MOTD team's final lists, listen to the latest Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast here or watch Match of the Day on Saturday 18 April on BBC 1 at 22:20 BST.

Dennis Bergkamp

Clubs: Arsenal

Premier League appearances: 315

Premier League titles: Three

A supremely gifted player, Dennis Bergkamp arrived at Highbury in the summer of 1995 after an underwhelming two-year spell with Inter Milan in Serie A.

And over the next 11 years he went on to more than repay a then club record fee of around £7.5m paid for him.

The Netherlands forward won two Premier League and FA Cup doubles, as well as a third league title in the 'Invincibles' season and another two FA Cups while at Arsenal.

His goal against Newcastle in 2002 - one of many that underlined his technical brilliance - was voted the best goal in Premier League history by BBC readers in 2017.

Eric Cantona

Clubs: Leeds & Manchester United

Premier League appearances: 156

Premier League titles: Four

Eric Cantona's surprise transfer from reigning top-flight champions Leeds to Manchester United in November 1992 proved the catalyst for the Red Devils to end their 26-year wait for the title in the Premier League's inaugural season. And it also kick-started a period of unprecedented success for the club.

The creator and scorer of important goals, Cantona relished the big stage with his trademark upturned collar, copied on playing fields across the country.

He won four Premier League titles in five years before retiring at the age of 30. However, his time at Old Trafford was not without incident, his infamous kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace supporter in January 1995 led to an eight-month ban and almost a prison sentence.

Eden Hazard

Clubs: Chelsea

Premier League appearances: 245

Premier League titles: Two

When it comes to entertaining a crowd, few can match Eden Hazard.

A hot property who had his pick of clubs when leaving Lille in 2012, the Belgian was mesmeric at times during his seven seasons with Chelsea.

Almost unstoppable, when facing goal with the ball at his feet, Hazard won the Premier League and Europa League twice, the FA Cup and League Cup before departing for Real Madrid in the summer of 2019.

Thierry Henry

Clubs: Arsenal

Premier League appearances: 258

Premier League titles: Two

Not the sort of forward to outmuscle a defender in an aerial duel. But then again he really didn't need to bother. When it came to dribbling, pace, power, movement and finishing, Thierry Henry had it all.

Henry's brilliance was almost as disorientating for commentators as for opposition defenders, who were often left sat on the turf as he accelerated clear to score and take the acclaim of supporters.

A member of the Gunners' 'Invincibles' side, Henry won two Premier Leagues and two FA Cups before heading off to Barcelona and New York, rejoining Arsenal briefly on loan in 2011-12.

N'Golo Kante

Clubs: Leicester City & Chelsea

Premier League appearances: 160

Premier League titles: Two

N'Golo Kante was far from a household name when he arrived at Leicester from Caen prior to the start of the 2015-16 season.

But by the end of it, his supercharged performances had grabbed the attention of the Premier League as the Foxes defied all the odds to win the title. His reward was regular inclusion in the France squad and a £30m move to Chelsea, where he collected a second title in as many years.

Superb at shielding a back four, Kante has since played an integral role in Les Blues World Cup triumph in 2018.

Roy Keane

Clubs: Nottingham Forest & Manchester United

Premier League appearances: 366

Premier League titles: Seven

Roy Keane joined Manchester United from Nottingham Forest in 1993 for a then British record transfer fee of £3.75m.

A key component of two double-winning sides, the Republic of Ireland midfielder captained United during their treble-winning season in 1998-99.

Respected by team-mates and opponents alike for his demanding nature and range of skills, Keane is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders to have graced the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany

Clubs: Manchester City

Premier League appearances: 265

Premier League titles: Four

Initially a central midfielder, Belgian international Vincent Kompany joined Manchester City in 2008 and was to become the defensive rock that underpinned four title-winning sides.

A good reader of the game, Kompany's pace and aerial ability made him a formidable opponent for many Premier League forwards.

A big player, for the big moments and an inspirational captain.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Clubs: Manchester United

Premier League appearances: 196

Premier League titles: Three

Described by some as a 'show pony' early in his Manchester United career, it took time for Cristiano Ronaldo to find his best form at Old Trafford.

However, once he did, he was transformed into a goal-machine as he set himself on the way to becoming arguably the finest footballer of his generation.

The quick feet, blistering acceleration, aerial prowess and ability to score outstanding goals were all a feature of his final two seasons at United, where he won the first of five Ballon d'Or titles, as well as three Premier League crowns, an FA Cup, two League Cups and a Champions League winner's medal.

David Silva

Premier League appearances: 301

Premier League titles: Four

Nicknamed 'Merlin' by Manchester City supporters, David Silva has spent the last decade terrorising Premier League defences with his intelligence, movement and ability to deliver the deftest of passes.

A talisman for many of those years, there have been few finer sights than Silva in full flow orchestrating City's attacking play.

While the Spaniard is set to leave the club this summer, he has won the Premier League four times, the FA Cup twice and the League Cup on five occasions. Not a bad return.

Patrick Vieira

Clubs: Arsenal & Manchester City

Premier League appearances: 307

Premier League titles: Three

A ruthless midfield enforcer, Patrick Vieira's talent for breaking up attacks at one end of the pitch and then scoring at the other end was critical as the Gunners claimed a Premier League and FA Cup double in 1997-98.

A rangy physical player, few got the better of the French World Cup winner, particularly during his time with Arsenal where he became captain and led the side that went unbeaten through a 38-game Premier League season to win the title in 2003-04.