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Former Tottenham player now hailed as one of the Premier League’s best ever defenders
Gabriel Agbonlahor has suggested that Ledley King does not get the full credit he deserves as he named the Tottenham Hotspur legend amongst the greatest defenders in the Premier League era.
Ledley King holds a special place in the heart of all Spurs fans. The centre-back spent his entire career with the club, playing more than 320 games in all competitions.
It should have been so many more however. King’s career was blighted by injury problems. He did not make more 26 league appearances in a single campaign after the 2004/05 season.
It is also a travesty that King only played 21 times for his country. Of course, he played in a golden era, with Rio Ferdinand and John Terry enjoying long international careers. But many Tottenham fans would probably tell you that King had the potential to be as good as anyone else in that position.
Gabriel Agbonlahor lauds Tottenham hero Ledley King
Gabriel Agbonlahor was asked on (broadcast on 18/1; 09:30) about the greatest defender in Premier League history. And while he opted for either Ferdinand or Terry, he did insist that King has to be in the conversation.
“This is tough for me because you have to go on how many years did they play in the Premier League. You look at Rio and JT, I feel like they’re joint top. John Terry, I played against him so many times and he never gave you the chance to run him in behind. He was clever, he knew when to come tight, knew when to give himself a yard to get there before you. You didn’t see John Terry get run a lot. But Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, I’d put at joint number one,” he said.
“Vincent Kompany, Ledley King, that’s one that people won’t say because of his injury problems. Whenever I played against Ledley King, quick, strong, great on the ball with his left foot. Good in the air, he had it all. Obviously, his injuries cost him.”
Spurs legend’s inclusion on list shouldn’t be up for debate
Certainly, any Tottenham supporter will need no convincing about King’s quality. But perhaps some neutrals would tend to overlook him because of his struggles to stay fit.
King announced his arrival in the Premier League with one of the competition’s fastest ever goals, away at Bradford City in December 2000.
He could also play in holding midfield, and that may have perhaps been his route into the England side on a regular basis given the problems the Three Lions had finding the right balance.
Obviously, it is impossible to argue with Ferdinand or Terry coming up in the conversation. But Agbonlahor is absolutely right to mention King.