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Premier League has the most international players in Europe

By Jocelyn Taub

Paul Pogba during the UEFA EURO semi final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Paul Pogba during the UEFA EURO semi final match between Germany and France at Stade Velodrome on July 7, 2016 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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LYON, FRANCE – JUNE 26: Republic of Ireland’s Seamus Coleman looks dejected and is consoled by team mate John O’Shea at full time during the UEFA Euro 2016 Round of 16 match between France v Republic of Ireland at Stade de Lyon on June 26 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/CameraSport via Getty Images)
LYON, FRANCE – JUNE 26: Republic of Ireland’s Seamus Coleman looks dejected and is consoled by team mate John O’Shea at full time during the UEFA Euro 2016 Round of 16 match between France v Republic of Ireland at Stade de Lyon on June 26 in Lyon, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/CameraSport via Getty Images) /

3. Ireland

The Irish Premier League is not where Ireland’s best and brightest play their professional soccer. Instead, it’s England where the most skilled come to compete. Today there are 20 players from Ireland on EPL rosters.

Perhaps the most successful Irishman to ever play in the Premier League was the always fiery Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane. Keane won 17 of his 19 major trophy’s while with the Red Devils.

Others Irish standouts from that era include Niall Quinn, Denis Irwin, Damien Duff Robbie Keane and keeper Shay Given.

12 out of Ireland’s 23 players named to this past summer’s Euro 2016 squad currently play for Premier League clubs. This includes longtime Everton right back Seamus Coleman, Sunderland defender John O’Shea and Southampton striker Shane Long.

Next: Belgium

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