6 iconic No. 10s who have lit up the Premier League era

The No. 10 shirt in football holds a beloved place in the hearts of fans, traditionally worn by the team's creative spark. 

It is often seen as the jersey of the main playmaker, someone with remarkable technical skill, keen vision and the natural talent to break down even the toughest defences. 

Over the years, this iconic number has been proudly worn by some of the sport's most legendary players, symbolising a wonderful mix of flair, intelligence and meaningful impact.

While the role has evolved over the years, especially in the Premier League, where the role was not widely embraced until the mid-to-late 1990s.

In a competition that makes headlines for its prolific goal scorers, creative assist makers and top goalkeepers, which iconic playmakers have lit up the Premier League? Pulse Sports recalls six brilliant players who left an indelible mark on the English top flight. 

Matt Le Tissier, a one-club legend, graced the Premier League with Southampton for 270 appearances, scoring 100 goals and providing 63 assists. 

He holds the unique distinction of being the first midfielder to reach 100 Premier League goals. Renowned for his exceptional technical skills, vision and ball striking, Le Tissier was a creative attacking midfielder with a remarkable eye for goal. 

Le Tissier’s ability to dribble past multiple players with ease, combined with his intelligence on the ball, made him a constant threat. 

He was also famously prolific from the penalty spot, converting 47 out of 48 attempts. Memorable moments include his drifting 40-yard chip against Blackburn Rovers and his fairytale winner against Arsenal in Southampton's last match at The Dell. 

Le Tissier was named PFA Young Player of the Year in 1990 and was included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 1994-95 season.

Juninho Paulista, affectionately known as "The Little Fella," made 125 Premier League appearances for Middlesbrough, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists. 

Despite Middlesbrough's struggles, Juninho's individual brilliance shone through, earning him the Premier League Player of the Season award in the 1996-97 campaign, a rare feat for a player whose team was relegated. 

He was a technical leader and playmaker, known for his skill and creativity. His close control and dribbling skills, honed on futsal courts, allowed him to navigate crowded midfield areas with ease, leaving defenders confused. 

Juninho's ability to create surprising dip and swerve on his free-kicks also made him a major threat from set-pieces.

Gianfranco Zola played 229 Premier League games for Chelsea, scoring 59 goals and providing 41 assists. 

The diminutive Italian was a pivotal figure in Chelsea's resurgence in the late 1990s, helping them win the FA Cup, League Cup, Cup Winners' Cup and Super Cup. 

Zola was renowned for his exceptional skill, creativity and ability to score memorable goals. His dazzling effort against Wimbledon in the FA Cup semi-final and his back-flicked volley against Norwich in the FA Cup are often cited as examples of his genius. 

Sir Alex Ferguson famously described him as a "clever little so-and-so". In his debut season, he was voted Football Writers' Player of the Year, becoming the only player to win the accolade without playing a full season in the English league.

Eric Cantona was a transformative figure for Manchester United, making 156 Premier League appearances, scoring 70 goals and providing 56 assists. 

The Frenchman was instrumental in Manchester United winning four Premier League titles in five years, including two League and FA Cup Doubles. 

Cantona combined technical skill, creativity, power and goalscoring ability, primarily operating as a deep-lying forward or attacking midfielder. 

His imperious look, theatrical swagger and poise captivated fans and teammates alike. Sir Alex Ferguson previously noted how Cantona "illuminated Old Trafford", while Roy Keane described his presence as if he "owned the place". 

He was voted Manchester United's greatest-ever player by Inside United magazine in 2003 and was the inaugural Overseas Player of the Decade at the Premier League 10 Seasons Awards. 

Cantona was also named PFA Players' Player of the Year for the 1993-94 season.

Dennis Bergkamp played 315 Premier League matches for Arsenal, scoring 87 goals and providing 94 assists. He netted a total of 120 goals in 423 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions. 

Bergkamp’s 94 Premier League assists rank him as the sixth-highest assist provider in league history, behind Frank Lampard (102), Wayne Rooney (103), Cesc Fabregas (111), Kevin De Bruyne (119) and Ryan Giggs (162). 

His time at Arsenal was synonymous with an era of beautiful, attacking football.

Schooled in the Dutch Total Football philosophy, Bergkamp's game was built on versatility and a deep understanding of every outfield position. 

He possessed an exquisite first touch, often described as poetic, which allowed him to control even the most challenging passes with impeccable precision, instantly setting up his next move.

Bergkamp was instrumental in Arsenal's historic "Invincibles" season in 2003-04, where they completed an entire Premier League campaign unbeaten. 

He was a pivotal figure in Arsenal winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his tenure. 

The Dutchman’s iconic goal against Newcastle United in 2002, featuring a brilliant turn and composed finish, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Premier League goals ever.

Kevin De Bruyne made 288 Premier League appearances before leaving Manchester City in the summer of 2025, scoring 72 goals and providing an astounding 119 assists. 

He famously equalled Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a single Premier League season during the 2019-20 campaign. 

The Belgian’s career at Man City was marked by an almost unparalleled level of creative output and consistent excellence.

During his time in English football, De Bruyne’s unparalleled ability to see things on the pitch that no one else could meant he was often described as having a unique footballing brain. 

He is an accomplished scanner, constantly surveying his surroundings and assessing options well before receiving the ball, which allows him to cause maximum damage upon possession. 

His passing accuracy and unique delivery style are potentially unrivalled; he was adept at threading passes into the smallest spaces behind defences with incredible power and precision.

A six-time Premier League champion, De Bruyne is one of only five players to win the Premier League Player of the Season award twice (2019-20, 2021-22) and one of only three to win it in consecutive seasons. 

He won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award twice (2019-20, 2020-21) and was awarded the Premier League Playmaker award three times. 

De Bruyne was included in the PFA Team of the Year five times, notably achieving a unique run of four consecutive inclusions from 2019-20 to 2022-23.