Premier League icon – Matthew Upson, is a former England international who played as a central defender. During his long and successful career, the defender won the Premier League and Charity Shield with Arsenal, and was awarded Brighton Hove Albion Player of the Season for the 2013-2014 campaign. Due to his reliability as a centre back, Upson made 21 appearances for the England national team, being included in the 2010 World Cup squad.

The defensive giant started his career with Luton Town, before joining Premier League giants Arsenal for a fee of £2 million in 1997. After gaining valuable experience on loan at a number of top clubs when at Arsenal, Upson finally made a long-awaited move to Birmingham City, where he became a permanent fixture in the first team. Being too good for Championship, Upson joined West Ham United for £7.5 million in 2007 when Birmingham were relegated. Due to his commanding presence, he was made captain in 2009. After a successful stint at West Ham, Upson signed with Stoke City in 2011. After Stoke, Upson enjoyed tenures at Brighton Hove Albion, Leicester City and Milton Keynes Dons.

After his glittering career, he has gone on to appear as a football pundit for BBC’s Match of the Day and during their 2018 World Cup coverage. Upson’s intelligence and warm personality has made him ideal for TV and is likely to continue featuring with major broadcasters as a pundit.