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<p>Embracing Nostalgia</p>
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<img alt="The true 'Barclaysmen' - Most games played during the 'Barclays' era of Premier League football" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/galerie/pl-barclaysman-spotlight-1752660280-172508.png" title="The true 'Barclaysmen' - Most games played during the 'Barclays' era of Premier League football">
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<p>The term 'Barclaysman' or 'Proper Barclays' has gained popularity online recently. It is typically used to describe players who made a significant impact in the Premier League between 2004 and 2016, when the league was branded as the 'Barclays Premiership' or 'Barclays Premier League' due to sponsorship. Whether it’s memories of Michu cupping his ear to the crowd, Jay-Jay Okocha executing a stunning rainbow flick, or Rory Delap launching a spectacular 50-yard throw-in, this time period in the top flight of English football triggers a wave of nostalgia for a whole generation of fans.</p>
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<p>So, who were the standout players during the 'Barclaysman' era in the Premier League? At <em>Transfermarkt</em>, we have compiled data on the players with the highest number of appearances in the English top-flight from the 2004/05 to 2015/16 seasons to determine the ultimate 'Barclaysmen'. Prepare for a stroll down memory lane.</p>
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<h2>Most Appearances in the Premier League 'Barclaysman' Era</h2>
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<p>Leading the list is Gareth Barry, the player with the most all-time Premier League appearances, having played 410 matches during the 'Barclays' years. He is followed by former Chelsea captain John Terry, who made 369 appearances. English midfielder James Milner and French defender Sylvain Distin also recorded 369 appearances. Close behind is Wayne Rooney with 368, and former England striker Peter Crouch, who also played 367 times—truly a 'Barclaysman'. Goalkeepers Tim Howard and Petr Cech both achieved 367 matches, while Michael Carrick (355 games) and Stewart Downing (353 games) round out the top ten.</p>
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<p>Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, who ranks 17th on this list, reflected on the 'Barclaysman' era for <em>Transfermarkt</em>: "It was the best era! Players scored from outside the box, and the play was less robotic. Icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Agüero, and Carlos Tevez kept you on your feet." The former England international, who netted 74 goals for Villa in the Premier League, also expressed his belief that the game has diminished since then. "Football was better back then because gameplay was less tactical. Teams didn’t focus so heavily on their opponents. Nowadays, teams are more defensive. My favorite Premier League moment was Agüero's goal against QPR - something like that will be hard to replicate with the current style of play."</p>
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<p>To further indulge in nostalgia, we have created a starting XI featuring the players with the most Premier League appearances during the 'Barclaysman' era. Naturally, it’s set up in a 4-4-2 formation. In goal is Howard, with Terry and Distin as center-backs, supported by Leighton Baines at left-back and Glen Johnson at right-back. Barry and Carrick provide the midfield backbone, with Downing on the left and Milner on the right. The iconic attacking duo from the 2006 World Cup, Rooney and Crouch, lead the frontline. Cue the signature robot celebration!</p>
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<img alt="" height="629" src="https://tmssl.akamaized.net//images/foto/newsansicht/barclaysman-xi-1752659163-172506.png?lm=1752659171" width="503">
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