To cut it in the English Premier League - the pinnacle of the domestic game some would have you believe - the minimum requirement is surely that you are in prime physical condition. Or is it?
Since the launch of the league in 1992 the drinking culture that was associated with football players in England was quickly eradicated as nutritionists were added to backroom teams as a rule and the link between wellness and physical fitness became more openly explored and accepted. The influx of foreign managers, like Arsene Wenger, saw a shift in the mentality of our professional game that saw the traditional meal of fish and chips on the bus home after a game replaced with energy replenishing milkshakes, ice baths and dietary conditioning that extended beyond immediate game preparation.
However, even with that new culture well established, there have been some players who have completely gone against the will of their managers and indulged a little too festively all year round, drawing criticism from coaches and ribbing from the crowds. These are the players that make up our countdown of the fattest players that ever played at the top level of the English game.
10. Mark Crossley
Here is the man that is alleged to be the heaviest player in Premier League history. Mark weighed 15 stone 6 lbs during his time with Fulham, which didn't stop him occasionally pulling out career best performances even into the final days of his playing career.