Gary Lineker names favourite 11 Premier League players before final Match of the Day

Gary Lineker, after 26 years as the host of BBC's Match of the Day, announced his favorite 11 Premier League players ahead of his final show. The list reflects his personal biases and experiences, featuring two Leicester City stars, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, both pivotal in Leicester's 2016 title win, alongside other iconic players such as Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, and Kevin De Bruyne. Lineker praised Mahrez's exceptional first touch and Vardy's goal-scoring prowess, highlighting their contributions to Leicester and beyond. Notably absent from his list were players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, and Frank Lampard. Lineker's departure from the BBC follows a controversy over a social media post, with his final Match of the Day episode marking the end of an era in Premier League broadcasting. His selections emphasize attacking talent and players who brought him joy during his long tenure rather than defensive stalwarts or goalkeepers.