For more than 30 years, the Premier League has captivated American soccer fans. The bulk of that period has seen U.S. spectators able to watch any game they wanted via television or streaming, turning some people into rabid fans despite them previously having little to no connection to the cities containing English clubs. Communities of supporters sprang up out of nothing, and that fandom broadened the reach of the league (and the sport as a whole) into North America.
Finding U.S. men's national team players in the world's most popular league has been a tougher slog.
For a time, it seemed only goalkeepers were capable of finding success in England, and it often required serving an apprenticeship in the lower divisions. Lately, though, there has been an increased flow of talent, even if it remains a trickle.
With the league set to kick off Friday, there are six U.S. players -- Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson, AFC Bournemouth's Tyler Adams, Crystal Palace's Chris Richards and Zavier Gozo, Fulham's Antonee Robinson and Coventry City's Haji Wright -- set to get considerable playing time this season.
But a trip into the Wayback Machine reveals there is a list of American players who have made an impact in the Premier League, as well as in cup competitions adjacent to the league. Here's a look at players past and present who have done the most to raise the bar of what Americans can achieve in England's top flight.