The Top 10 Shortest English Premier League Soccer Players in History

The Top 10 Shortest English Premier League Soccer Players...

By Jason Bolton June 03, 2024 05:20

This article will take a look at a list of the top small players who made a huge impact in the English Premier League. Even though they are not that high in terms of height, they have had remarkable speed, agility, some even with a great touch making their game significant. In this article, we look at the top 10 shortest English Premier League soccer players of all time, detailing their careers, playing styles, and overall impact on football.

1. Aaron Lennon (5'5")

A 5' 5" pacy, tricky right winger, a product of the Leeds United academy and was transferred to Tottenham Hotspur.

Fans loved him for his electrifying pace and ability to beat defenders. During his spell at the club he was instrumental to Tottenham success.

Among Lennon's accomplishments are being capped by England and playing a prominent role in Tottenham's UEFA Champions League quarter-final run in 2010-11.

2. Joe Cole (5'6")

At 5'6'', Joe Cole was one of the most creative dribblers and precise passers of his time. He kept his touch at West Ham United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Career-winning three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and featuring for England in more than one World Cup joined Ashley Cole.

Standing at just 5ft 6ins, his small frame did not hold him back as he became one of the most revered around for his technical abilities and his talent for dissecting defenses.

3. Eden Hazard (5'7")

Hazard, with quick feet, close control and an eye for goal, was a key figure when Chelsea won the title and won the countless individual awards, notably the PFA Players' Player of the Year accolade.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Aid for UNICEF (@socceraid)

He had a reputation as one of the most elite attackers in the league with his balance and ability to take defenders on and give himself a scoring chance.

4. Juninho Paulista (5'7")

Juninho Paulista was just 5'7" tall but was an incredible visionary of the game with an outstanding passing range. He did, however, spend a brief time at Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

His considerable technical ability and organizational skill in midfield won the respect of supporters and experts. Juninho helped Middlesbrough to the finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup.

Standing at just 5 ft 5 in, there was nothing small about Juninho on the pitch, and the English game is all the richer for his exploits.

5. N'Golo Kanté (5'6")

The 5'6" Kanté is highly regarded for his relentless work rate, his brilliant ball-winning 'nous' and his equally impressive positional awareness. Before signing for Chelsea, he made his name at Leicester City.

Kanté played a pivotal role in helping Leicester City claim a fairytale Premier League title in 2015-2016. This effort won him the PFA Players' Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year Awards.

Kanté's presence in midfield, despite his lack of a physical presence, has been huge and has done more than enough to justify his name as one of, if not the best defensive midfielder in the world.

6. Shaun Wright-Phillips (5'5")

Shaun Wright-Phillips was a 5'5" winger with an electrifying blend of speed and power. He also had successful stints at Manchester City, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers.

The winger became a cult figure at the Red Bull Arena, energizing the fans with his runs down the flanks and reputation as a scorer of the spectacular. He played for them during their Premier League and FA Cup successes.

F/ Small forward Walker's speed and agility caused defenders to sag off him, but his quick first step and ability to move in and out of lanes allowed him to outpace many defenders making him one of the best attacking threats in the EPL.

7. Scott Parker (5'8")

The 5'8 midfielder Scott Parker was one of those players, he was a tough, intelligent central midfield player who starred in the top flight for more than a few teams such as Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and others.
Over the years, Parker received praise for his leadership and dominance of the midfield. As a player, he was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year playing for West Ham United

.
Though admittedly not the smallest player on this list, Parker, the midfield general, showed how not being of towering physical stature should not immediately handicap on-field influence.

8. Enzo Maresca (5'7")

At 5'7, Enzo Maresca was an Italian midfielder who was often deployed at center mid, known for his technique and the calmness in possession he brought to the team. The winger played in the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City.

Maresca's ability to slow down the game when needed and pick out a killer pass made him an important figure in the center of the park. Hudson-Odoi had previously recommended Rice to the West Brom management team, having played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League.
Maresca was not the tallest but his deployed position in midfield saw his positional sense and method of carry-over made his presence felt over the match.

9. Pablo Hernandez (5'6")

Known for his vision, technical ability, and ability to unlock a defense He flaunted his skills in the Premier League from Swansea City to Leeds United.
Hernandez added guile and threat in and around the Swansea City front line That was until his crucial contributions in helping Leeds United win promotion to the Premier League after 16 years away.
Hernandez might not have been the biggest player on the field, but his ability to dictate in midfield and make chances for others showed just how important he was to his sides.

10. Leon Osman (5'8")

The 5'8" Leon Osman was an all-purpose midfielder who played only for Everton his entire professional career. A midfielder with a solid work rate and great passing ability, along with a knack for scoring goals, Osman left a mark on the club.

Times in which Osman's ability to help bring solidity back to Everton's midfield and how he may chip in with the crucial goals have won over the club's fanbase. He made over 400 appearances for the club.

While Osman is not the smallest player on this list, his presence in midfield and his length of stay at Everton epitomized the importance of ability and grit over physical size.

It is worth noticing that the careers of the predominant top 10 shortest English Premier League soccer players in history reveals that height can never act as a barricade on the way of achieving success in football. Gone are the days of being dismissed as inferior, as the talent, work ethic, and technical substrate of the Italian flag bearers has undoubtedly raised the bar for sputtering clubs rich with history yet devoid of urgency.