The 5 Best Players to Be Part of the SPL

The Scottish Premier League (SPL), now more widely known as the Scottish Premiership, has been a breeding ground for talented footballers over the years – and some may say that it hasn’t received full credit for some of the remarkable talents that have been part of it. 

The league has been home to numerous exceptional players who have left an indelible mark on the footballing world – both in the UK and internationally. So. let’s take a look at five of the best players to ever take part in the Scottish Premier League:

Henrik Larsson

Henrik Larsson, the Swedish striker, is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have graced the SPL. The legendary player joined Celtic back in 1997 and quickly became a legend at the club. His lethal goal-scoring ability, impeccable technique and leadership on the pitch made him a fan favourite. This was at the time when Celtic was always favourites for any SPL betting tournament – and he was partly responsible for this. 

He won four SPL titles with Celtic and became the league’s top scorer in multiple seasons. Larsson’s stint at Celtic earned him a place in the hearts of football fans, not just in Scotland, but worldwide.

Kenny Dalglish

Widely regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest-ever players, Kenny Dalglish enjoyed a stellar career both as a player and a manager. He may be widely recognised for being a Liverpool legend, but he also played for Celtic in the 1970s, winning a number of domestic titles – including four SPL championships. 

His exceptional vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability made him a crucial part of the team’s success during his time at Celtic. However, his impact on Scottish football goes way beyond his playing days, as he achieved further success as a manager and is now a true footballing icon.

Paul Gascoigne

While Paul Gascoigne’s stint in the SPL was relatively brief, his impact on Scottish football was immense. Gazza originally joined Rangers in 1995 and became an instant sensation. His technical brilliance, flair, and creativity made him stand out in every match he played. 

Moreover, the talented Geordie played a pivotal role in helping Rangers secure two SPL titles during his time with the club. He may not have been at the club for long, but his name remains etched in Scottish football history.

Brian Laudrup

Another Rangers legend, Brian Laudrup, was a Danish winger who played for the SPL during the 1990s. He had a deadly combination of skill, speed, and dribbling ability that mesmerised fans – and played a big role in Rangers’ domination of the league at that time. 

Laudrup’s versatility allowed him to excel in various attacking positions which made him an indispensable asset to the Rangers squad. His contribution to the club’s nine consecutive SPL titles cemented his status as one of the best players ever to grace the Scottish game.

James Forrest

As a modern-day talent, James Forrest has risen through the ranks of Celtic’s youth system and managed to establish himself as one of the best players in the SPL. The Scottish winger’s blistering pace, agility, and clinical finishing have tormented the opposition defenders for years. 

He is always a key player in the Celtic squad, contributing with crucial goals and assists in their numerous title-winning campaigns. Although he has yet to carve out a status as a footballing legend, he is still considered one of the most influential players to emerge from the Scottish Premiership.

Honourable Mentions

Picking just five is tough – as there are several other players who have made significant contributions to the SPL over the years. Rangers’ Ally McCoist, the league’s all-time leading scorer, deserves special mention for his incredible goal-scoring record. Additionally, Celtic’s legendary midfielder, Scott Brown is also worthy of a mention… and many more.

Conclusion

The Scottish Premier League has seen many exceptional talents grace its grounds. Players such as Henrik Larsson, Kenny Dalglish, Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup, and James Forrest have left an enduring legacy on Scottish football. Their skill, passion, and impact on the game have captivated fans and ensured that their names will forever be etched in the pantheon of football greatness.