Who Are The Best Players From New Zealand To Have Played In The Premier League?

Posted on May 20, 2020 by John Harris

The Premier League has been glittered with some of the best footballers from around the world, with 111 of the 2017 foreign FIFA-affiliated countries represented over the league’s 28-year history. Included in that are six players from New Zealand that have enjoyed successful stays in the top-flight in England.

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Chris Wood

The only active player in the Premier League to have been born in New Zealand is Chris Wood. The striker has only got better with the more experience he has had in the top-flight throughout his career. His talents were quickly noticed by Burnley, who paid a then-club record fee of £15 million to take him to Turf Moor in the summer of 2017. He scored on his debut for Burnley as they drew 1-1 at Wembley against Tottenham Hotspur.

Since then, he has scored at least ten goals in each of his last two seasons in the Premier League. Wood is currently on course to set his best-ever goals return in the Premier League this season having scored eleven goals in 26 appearances. Before having success at Burnley, he had finished the 2016-17 season as top scorer in the Championship for Leeds United.

Ryan Nelson

Ryan Nelson played in the top flight in England for eight years. His career in England spun across three different clubs, with the majority of his success coming during his seven-year stay with Blackburn Rovers. He made 208 appearances for Rovers during his stay and scored eight goals. During his time at Ewood Park, he helped Blackburn maintain their Premier League status and also played a part in the club finishing in the UEFA Cup spots.

He left Blackburn on transfer deadline day in January 2012. Nelson was released on a free transfer after sustaining a knee injury, but Tottenham Hotspur were quick to add him to their squad. He went onto play eight games for Spurs before being released at the end of the season. His final season in England came in the 2012-13 campaign, as he played 24 times for Queens Park Rangers.

Winston Reid

Winston Reid has enjoyed an excellent career in England, as he spent ten years at West Ham United. He is still on the books at the club but is currently on loan at Sporting Kansas City. The 31-year-old quickly became a fan favourite with the Hammers faithful for his determination and strong tackling ability. His first season ended in disappointment as West Ham were relegated to the Championship, but they made an immediate return after achieving playoff glory in the following season.

In his return season to the Premier League, Reid went on to win Hammer of the Year as the club maintained their top-flight status with a tenth-placed finish. He helped the Hammers maintain their Premier League status for the next seven seasons, but injuries began taking their toll at the start of the 2018-19 season. He didn’t make a single appearance in the league in that or the following season. He departed the Hammers on loan to the MLS after making 222 appearances for the club.