4) Per Mertesacker (Arsenal) – 156 appearances
When he arrived at the Emirates in 2011, many questioned Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s thinking due to worries about the centre-back’s lack of pace. While the defender’s speed was a problem at times, he did help secure three FA Cups and a number of top-four finishes for the Gunners.
At 6ft 6, Mertesacker’s height meant he was always commanding in the air and he was seen as a leader in the squad. After retirement, he became Arsenal’s academy director.