The greatest Premier League team of all time... here's the XI with biggest number of team of the year appearances

It's the ultimate compliment for any player to have their talent recognised by their fellow professionals. So to settle the argument of which is the greatest Premier League XI since it started in 1992-93, Sportsmail has studied every PFA Premier League team of the year to find out which players are most highly-regarded by their peers.

The results are fascinating – and surprising in some cases too.

Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel was selected in only one PL all-star team (1993), as was Dennis Bergkamp (1998) and therefore are well short of being considered for the greatest XI.

Eric Cantona and Paul Scholes weren't voted for often enough either while Gianfranco Zola – regarded as one of the best players in Chelsea's history – was never picked in a PFA side.

Roy Keane and Frank Lampard were picked on fewer occasions than central midfield rivals Steven Gerrard and Patrick Vieira.

Likewise, stars like Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale performed too briefly on the Premier League stage to be chosen as often as other players.

Based on the number of times they were voted by their fellow professionals in the PFA Premier team of the season, here is the best Premier League XI over the last 23 years. And for Gerrard, heavily criticised after his red card against Manchester United on Sunday, there is some good news – nobody has been picked more often.

THE PREMIER LEAGUE ALL TIME XI

EDWIN VAN DER SAR (PFA Team 2007, 2009, 2011)

Played in Premier League for: Fulham, Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson compared the Dutchman's influence to Peter Schmeichel's after he helped Manchester United return to the top following a period of dominance by Jose Mourinho's Chelsea. Van der Sar was 34 when he joined United from Fulham but it proved to be a master signing, and one that Ferguson admitted he wished he'd made earlier. Van der Sar won three league titles in a row and was the hero of United's penalty shoot-out win against Chelsea in the 2008 Champions League final, making the match-winning save from Nicolas Anelka.

GARY NEVILLE (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2007)

Played for: Manchester United

The heart of Manchester United's team that dominated English football for two decades and part of the 1999 treble-winning side. Neville was United's effective leader and club captain off the field well before he eventually wore the armband on it. The right-back for United and England was the most voiceferous member of the club's famed Class of 92 and since retirement has become a hugely influential figure both as a television pundit and England coach

RIO FERDINAND (2002, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013)

Played for: West Ham, Leeds, Manchester United, QPR

A skilful centre-half in the Continental mould, Ferdinand started at West Ham but was first voted into the Premier League team in 2002 after an excellent season at Leeds United. After impressing at that summer's World Cup, Manchester United paid a £29million transfer fee for Ferdinand, a British transfer record that stood for four years. He became an integral part of Manchester United's success in the 2000s culminating in their Premier League-Champions League double in 2008. Now plays for QPR but is expected to retire at the end of the season

NEMANJA VIDIC (2007, 2008, 2009, 2011)

Played for: Manchester United

United's hard-man captain who formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Ferdinand. The Serbian international endured a poor first six months at Old Trafford after arriving from Russian football but went on to become a huge fans favourite. One of the bravest players seen at Old Trafford, Vidic put his head and body in where others feared to, leading to a number of injuries. When Sir Alex Ferguson left, Vidic signed for Inter Milan, and the incoming manager David Moyes missed his presence.

ASHLEY COLE (2003, 2004, 2005, 2011)

Played for: Arsenal, Chelsea

Considered by many the greatest English left-back of all time with more than 100 caps, Cole won the Premier League title with both Arsenal and Chelsea with Gunners fans not forgiving him for moving to Stamford Bridge. Cole was quick, mobile and had the ability to defend and attack. The controversial decision by Roy Hodgson to leave him out of England's World Cup squad backfired and Cole decided to move abroad where he now plays in Serie A for Roma. One of the few defenders who could get the better of Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime.

CRISTIANO RONALDO (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)

Played for: Manchester United

Hard to believe he was only in the Premier League for six years such was the impact he made. He was voted into the PFA team for four seasons in a row before he signed for Real Madrid for a world record fee of £80million. There were eyebrows raised when Sir Alex Ferguson sold David Beckham and unveiled an unknown Portuguese teenager. Ronaldo treated Old Trafford to a series of stepovers on his debut and by 2008 was voted World Player of the Year, only time that honour has gone to someone in the Premier League after Michael Owen in 2001. He has subsequently gone on to scale even greater heights at Real Madrid.

STEVEN GERRARD (2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2014)

Played for: Liverpool

Indisputably the best player of the Premier League era not to have won the championship, Gerrard is nonetheless regarded as the greatest player in Liverpool's history alongside Kenny Dalglish and was man-of-the-match when he led their comeback in Istanbul to win a fifth European Cup for the club in 2005. Gerrard in his prime was the ultimate box-to-box midfielder, stopping goals, creating goals and scoring goals, often spectacular ones. Will leave Liverpool this summer to join Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

PATRICK VIEIRA (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

Played for: Arsenal, Manchester City

Was voted into the PFA team for six consecutive years between 1999 and 2004, an unprecedented spell of dominance in the Premier League era. Vieira was Arsene Wenger's first signing – actually arriving at Highbury shortly before the manager who was tied up with contractual issues in Japan – and was the blueprint for a new Arsenal team who set new standards for the whole country. A tall, quick and powerful midfielder, Vieira helped Arsenal with the Double and then succeeded Tony Adams as captain, and led the 2004 Ivincibles side that went through an entire season unbeaten.

RYAN GIGGS (1993, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2009)

Played for: Manchester United

Statistically the greatest player in the Premier League, with a record number of titles (13) and appearances (632), Giggs was named six times in the PFA team spanning a period of 16 years. He was a flying 19-year-old winger who had led Manchester United to their first championship for 26 years when he was named in the 1993 all-star side, and a clever 35-year-old central midfield playmaker when he was chosen in 2009. Now assistant-manager to Louis van Gaal at United having been interim manager at the end of last season.

ALAN SHEARER (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2003)

Played for: Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United

The Premier League's record goalscorer with 260 – more than 70 goals ahead of anyone else, Shearer won the championship with Blackburn Rovers and became the only Premier League player to also be the world's most expensive player when he signed for hometown club Newcastle United for £15million having just finished as leading goalscorer at Euro 96 for England. Shearer could score all types of goals, rocket shots, tap-ins and headers, and following a brief spell as Newcastle's interim manager, is a respected TV pundit.

THIERRY HENRY (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) 

Played for: Arsenal

Added Va-Va-Voom to the English game after Arsene Wenger signed him from Juventus and turned an inconsistent winger into the most lethal centre-forward in Europe. Like Vieira, Henry was picked for six consecutive PFA teams and won the Golden Boot for being the leading goalscorer in the league on four occasions. Rivals Cristiano Ronaldo as being the best Premier League import ever seen and after spells with Barcelona and New York Red Bulls is back in this country, offering his views on the game with Sky Sports.

..and an unlikely all-star XI. These players all made the Premier League team of the season on one occasion:

Tim Flowers; David Bardsley, Ugo Ehiogu, Thomas Vermaelen, Stig Inge Bjornebye; Nani, Scott Parker, Tim Sherwood, Harry Kewell; Emmanuel Adebayor, Chris Sutton

Gareth Bale is not fazed by Real Madrid criticism, says Wales team-mate Joe Allen

Gareth Bale swapped the atmosphere of hate at Real Madrid for the warm embrace of Wales on Wednesday, with his team-mates all agreeing that the world’s most expensive player is unaffected by criticism of his form.

Bale wore a smile during training that suggested he was looking forward to performing for his country in a key Euro 2016 qualifier.

An army of 30 camera crews and photographers lined the pitches at the Vale Resort in Cardiff as Chris Coleman took his squad through their paces, with all lenses trained on Bale. 

But in contrast to the scrutiny he has faced in Spain, where Real fans attacked his white Bentley in the early hours of Monday, Bale looked relaxed among friends in a serene atmosphere.

Joe Allen confirmed as much. ‘He’s the same as usual,’ said the Liverpool midfielder. ‘I don’t get the impression that he is someone who is fazed by these sorts of things. It comes with the territory at a club like that. I doubt it has too much influence on him.

‘He’s a world-class player who shows that in every minute in every session. It is great to have him here. I doubt the Israelis will be looking forward to facing him at the weekend.’

Saturday’s Group B qualifier at the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa offers Bale another chance to show off the talent that has been questioned in Madrid both from the stands and the media.

Spanish newspaper Marca gave him a zero rating after Real’s 2-1 loss in Barcelona last Sunday.

Swansea defender Neil Taylor, a Welsh team-mate of Bale’s for five years, said the 25-year-old takes such brutal assessments in his stride. ‘He’s become acclimatised to how his life is now with stuff like that,’ he said. ‘Gareth isn’t going to care what I think about how he’s playing, the same way he isn’t going to care what some reporters write. If you read what everyone’s opinion is of you, your confidence will be shot.’

Bale has been accused of selfishness this season, but Burnley striker Sam Vokes, back in the squad for the first time since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament a year ago, is eager for the chance to link up with him again. ‘As a striker my last few goals for Wales have come off the back of him putting crosses into the box and getting down the line,’ he said.

Vokes said Bale has grown as a leader among the group, the result of experience gained from sustained exposure to elite competition. ‘We were doing some tactical work and you could see he brings a lot to it,’ he said. ‘He is very well spoken.’

Bale will be most eager to do his talking on the pitch.

In team news, Swansea full back Jazz Richards, who has a calf strain, has been replaced in the squad by Cardiff’s Declan John.

Gareth Bale won't leave Real Madrid this summer despite interest from Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea

Gareth Bale is prepared to resist all offers of a return to the Barclays Premier League and stay at Real Madrid.

Bale has a £75million buyout clause in his six-year contract but that has not deterred Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea from checking on his availability. The 25-year-old cost Madrid £86m when he joined from Tottenham and he rejected United in the process. 

However, the Wales winger has come in for heavy criticism for his recent Real performances and perceived selfishness during games.

Disgruntled fans have attacked his car while Spanish newspaper Marca refused to give him a rating for his display in the defeat by Barcelona.

United and Chelsea have sensed a deal could be done but the reply has been unequivocal; Bale is determined to stay, win over the fans and convince the world he can become one of Real Madrid’s greats.

Any transfer to the Premier League would cause Financial Fair Play problems but United have room for manoeuvre in that regard, as do Chelsea. City would have to sell if they were to pursue a deal.

Gareth Bale has been disappointing for Real Madrid this season

Top Premier League clubs are prepared to meet his £75m release clause

But Bale is determined to stay in Madrid and improve his fortunes

West Ham reluctant to sign Alex Song on permanent deal from Barcelona with reservations held over his dip in form

Alex Song faces an uncertain future after it emerged that West Ham have huge reservations over a permanent deal to sign the midfielder. 

Song has spent the season on loan at Upton Park from Barcelona, but his form has dramatically dipped in the second half of the season. The former Arsenal midfielder, who has a contract at the Nou Camp until 2017, earns £80,000-a-week.

West Ham, who were impressed with his early performances for the club, are reluctant to sign him permanently when his loan spell ends because of his wages.

Despite a promising start under Sam Allardyce, his recent performances have come under increased scrutiny in the West Ham boardroom.

He was substituted in the defeat against Crystal Palace earlier this month and also taken off during the 4-0 crushing by West Brom in the FA Cup tie at the Hawthorns in February.

Song, 27, played the full 90 minutes of West Ham’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday, but the Hammers are preparing to send him back to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

Germany 2-2 Australia: Lukas Podolski and Andre Schurrle combine from the bench for late equaliser to save World Cup champions from another home defeat by the Germany-2-2-Australia-Lukas-Podolski-Andre-Schurrle-combine-bench-late-equaliser.

A late Lukas Podolski strike from an Andre Schurrle cross saved Germany from back-to-back home defeats by Australia at the Fritz-Walter-Stadion in Kaiserslautern.

Podolski rescued the World Cup champions nine minutes from time with his 48th goal for his country as he combined with his fellow substitute and former Premier League outcast.

The Socceroos' last visit to Germany in 2011 ended in a 2-1 shock loss for the hosts in Monchengladbach and it looked to be going that way again for much of the second half when captain Mile Jedinak gave his side the lead with a sensational curling free-kick. 

Marco Reus gave Germany the lead in the 17th minute when he met the Sami Khedira cross zipped across the face of goal. James Troisi hit back for the recently crowned Asian Cup champions with a header from Nathan Burns' pinpoint cross. 

Then, five minutes into the second half, Crystal Palace stalwart and Socceroos captain nailed a perfect curling free-kick that left German keeper Ron-Robert Zieler flailing and in the back of his own net with the ball.

History was on the visitors' side at this stadium. It was here that Australia made history with their first goal and first win in a World Cup when they beat Japan 3-1 in 2006.  

Their star striker Tim Cahill, who scored a double that night, was out injured here after being instrumental in delivering Australia's first major trophy win after beating South Korea in extra-time in January. 

Before kick-off, Real Madrid's Toni Kroos was given the 2014 Germany Player of the Year award but he wasn't required off the bench where at full time he had some star-studded company among the unused subs in Jerome Boateng, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels.

Steven Gerrard looks like a man who is past caring about Liverpool... the violent stamp on Ander Herrera has shattered his legacy .

 The pathetic excuses from friends and colleagues defending Steven Gerrard have been a joke.

Unfortunately for arguably Liverpool’s greatest-ever player, he proved on Sunday that Brendan Rodgers has made the correct decision to cut him loose from Anfield at the end of this season. I’d be surprised if Gerrard makes the Liverpool starting line-up again, and any substitute appearances will surely only be to give the fans a wave goodbye.

Why should Rodgers trust Gerrard again this season?

This is an experienced professional, a captain, a legend and there is nothing anyone can say that should mask the truth that he absolutely let everyone at Liverpool Football Club down.

He also failed to apologise to Ander Herrera in his brief post-match interview, which showed a lack of class.

Some said Gerrard was frustrated because he wasn’t in the starting line-up. That might be true, but it doesn’t excuse a violent stamp on an opponent’s ankle.

Others have said he was desperate to get involved and show his passion. After all his years in the game, with all his knowledge of this fixture, he must surely know there is only one way to show passion and commitment on such a huge occasion – and that’s to make good, clean tackles, play well and get the job done.

This was Liverpool’s biggest game of the season, against fierce rivals, it’s a game they’re losing when he comes on the pitch and it’s a game they need to win.

If Wayne Rooney had done it, the reaction would be far worse. There would be calls to strip him of the England captaincy.

If it had been Joey Barton, the reaction would have hit fever pitch.

Had it been a Chelsea player – well, the internet and the FA would have been in meltdown. There would have been talk of points deductions probably.

But because it was Gerrard, the appropriate outrage has been tempered because apparently, according to the apologists, Rodgers made a mistake by failing to put him in the starting line-up.

Last season’s slip against Chelsea was accidental, the stamp on Sunday was calculated: at best it was Gerrard being a careless hot-head desperate to make a mark. At worst, it looked like a reckless player who is now past caring about the fortunes of his club.

Gerrard was the main man responsible for one of Liverpool’s most glorious nights back in 2005 in Istanbul. Nobody can ever take that away from him.

Ten years on, there’s a good chance that Gerrard’s last significant act for his club could be a red card that proves to be a major factor in handing Manchester United a passage back into the Champions League – at Liverpool’s expense.

Gerrard’s legacy is shattered. It’s a sad and sorry way to go, but he only has himself to blame.