This is one of the reasons, save for his inability to win the Champions League Arsene Wenger is so much revered in the Premier League. His era of opening the door to players from outside and changing the game with his style of football is why his name will never be forgotten when the evolution of English football is being discussed.

Like you said, this has attracted like players who identify with the style of play that the league now commands, even though there is still the element of pace and power, which is predominant in smaller teams who cannot afford those luxurious players. Stoke City, Bolton, West Brom etc of those days are typical examples. They go for powerful, stoic players.

The narrative is changing though with smaller teams now able to get cheaper options of players that give them that bit of deviation from their traditional way. Reason teams like Crystal Palace, Norwich, West Ham can now produce good football.