Greatest EPL Imports First XI

	Never grow up, my friends: Man U legend Eric Cantona was also the narrator in Nike's "Joga Bonito" World Cup ad campaign. Gary M. Prior/Allsport
	The Limey's final EPL Import lineup Schmeichel Gallas Hyypia Ziege Makélélé Zola Viera Ginola Bergkamp Cantona Henry

This week we complete the lineup that might give even dominant Chelsea a run for its money.

Forward: Eric Cantona (club: Manchester United; EPL appearances: 143; goals: 64)

The final place in the EPL Imports First XI is taken by a Frenchman who is equally as famous for his way-out antics off the pitch -- as an actor, a fixture in Nike ads and an amateur philosopher -- as he was for his sublime skill and artistry on the pitch.

Cantona's early career in France was filled with controversy -- he was cut by Montpelier for fighting with a teammate and banned from football for two months for throwing the ball at a referee while playing for his next club, Nimes. Cantona felt that he'd had enough and retired from soccer at the age of 25.

The following year, Cantona was offered an olive branch back into soccer by Sheffield Wednesday in the form of a trial run. That didn't work out and he ended up signing for Leeds United. Only eight months later, in November 1992, he moved to archrival Manchester United.

Cantona's impact at Old Trafford was rapid, spurring United on to its first league title in 26 years in his first season. He was the catalyst for the success that United enjoyed in the '90s, and its establishment as the most successful team in EPL history.

In his second season, "Le God" (as the fans knew him) helped United win the double (FA Cup and EPL title). In 1995, Cantona was banned for his famous kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan (see "Letter to America" from our April 21 column). He returned from nine months out of the game to inspire even greater success alongside the new generation of United players that had broken through the youth-team ranks: David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, players that would go on to win Champions League in 1999.

Fellow United legend and wearer of the famous No. 7 shirt, George Best, once remarked of Cantona, "I'd give all the champagne I've ever drunk to be playing alongside him in a big European match at Old Trafford." Some years later, following Best's death, Cantona returned the compliment in his own indomitable way.

"After his first training session in heaven, George Best, from his favorite right wing, turned the head of God who was filling in at left-back," Cantona said. "I would love him to save me a place in his team -- George Best that is, not God."

Letters

Jeff Traylor of Los Angeles wrote to ask whether we thought that Chelsea's frivolous spending on player transfer fees and contracts is ruining the competitiveness of the league and leading to long-term damage.

This season will be key in revealing the answer. In the last two preseasons since Roman Abramovich has owned the club, Chelsea's strategy has been buying young, burgeoning talent -- Duff, Arjen Robben, Didier Drogba, Shaun Wright-Phillips, etc. This preseason, two significant changes have occurred.

The buying strategy has shifted to a Real Madrid galáctico-esque level with the signing of established world-class talent (Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko) and the attitudes and egos that go with them. Secondly, some players are now actively seeking to leave, citing the lack of playing time. Duff has left, and Hernán Crespo, Wayne Bridge and Drogba are discontented. Robben, Wright-Phillips and William Gallas have all previously expressed grievances.

If manager Mourinho can maintain squad morale, Chelsea will continue to dominate the EPL. Only then can one argue that Abramovich's money has removed some of the league's competitiveness. On the flip side, Chelsea's prowess could prompt its rivals to greater heights, which would strengthen the EPL's position as a leading world league. But if Chelsea starts to own the Premiership, that could cause long-term damage to the league and might reduce its popularity among fans.

Much credit and respect to Susan of Atlanta, who told us of the huge growth she has witnessed in soccer's popularity over the last few weeks, and is keen to champion the cause of the female soccer fan! We agree that soccer marketing in the "established" European market is mostly aimed at men, and as an extension of this, marketers naturally try to tap into the male U.S. market. In fact, there's also a huge opportunity to sell the game to women in the States who are less tied than men to traditional American sports.

Letter to America

Which player do you rate most highly in our EPL all-time imports team?

Keep the banter flowing to thelimey@hotmail.co.uk.

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