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Ranked! Kante Missing As Scholes, Toure Named in 10 Best Premier League Midfielders of All Time
Babajide Orevba
updated at May 15, 2023 at 12:46 PM
In this article:
- Paul Scholes has been named the greatest Premier League midfielder of all time according to a new ranking
- The Manchester United legend featured in 499 PL matches, winning a staggering 11 league titles in the process
- Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are included in a list without the likes of N’Golo Kante and Michael Essien
The Premier League has been graced by some of the finest midfielders in world football, with only very intelligent players able to fit into such a delicate position.
Referred to as the ‘engine room’ of a squad, the midfield role is arguably the most technical as it is the intermediary between the attack and the defence.
A team's success relies largely on the shoulder of the midfielders, who try stabilising proceedings during matches.
Sports Brief has looked at the 10 best Premier League midfielders of all time.
10. Kevin De Bruyne
EPL Titles: 4
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Appearances: 237
Goals: 64
The 31-year-old is arguably the best passer in the English top flight. De Bruyne had a brief stint with Chelsea, featuring in three EPL matches for the Blues.
Source: Getty Images
Since his move to Manchester City, the Belgian has been incredible in the middle of the pack, as many have branded him as one of the most versatile midfielders in the world, per GOAL.
9. Claude Makelele
EPL Titles: 2
Appearances: 144
Goals: 2
Makelele played a crucial role in Chelsea’s title-winning squad of the 2004/2005 season, with the Blues conceding just 15 league goals during that campaign. The Frenchman was indeed a playmaker who won the ball with ease.
8. Yaya Toure
EPL Titles: 3
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Appearances: 230
Goals: 59
Toure played a key role for Manchester City during his days in England. The Ivorian had so many skills that he often ran a one-man show.
Despite facing some of the toughest opponents, Toure dominated the midfield with his physique and his amazing skills.
7. Cesc Fabregas
EPL Titles: 2
Appearances: 350
Goals: 50
What an indelible footprint Fabregas left in the Premier League, having featured for London clubs, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Spaniard was an incredible playmaker who was also a great passer of the ball, taking the Premier League by storm at quite a young age and never looking back.
Fabregas left Arsenal for Barcelona and later returned to the Premier League with Chelsea, where he won his first EPL title in his first season with an incredible 19 assists.
6. Roy Keane
EPL Titles: 7
Appearances: 366
Goals: 39
Keane remains the most successful captain of the Premier League era. The former Manchester United skipper won it all with the Red Devils.
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Source: Getty Images
The Irishman could cover a large area in the midfield position and had an eye for long-ranged passes. He was an enigma in his own right.
5. David Silva
EPL Titles: 4
Appearances: 309
Goals: 60
A statue of the Spaniard was built outside the Etihad Stadium to show how important he was to Manchester City.
Source: Getty Images
Silva featured in over 300 Premier League matches for the Citizens as he possessed an immaculate touch, allowing him to wiggle out of tight spaces easily.
4. Patrick Vieira
EPL Titles: 3
Appearances: 307
Goals: 31
Arsenal might not have achieved the ‘Invincibles’ feat without the presence of the lanky Viera in the middle.
The Frenchman had it all and could dictate the pace of a game. He had the capability of reading opponents before he took a decision and remains one of the greatest midfielders ever to grace the Premier League.
3. Frank Lampard
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EPL Titles: 3
Appearances: 609
Goals: 177
The Chelsea legend also featured for Premier League clubs, West Ham United and Manchester City. Many have regarded Lampard as the Blues' greatest player of all time.
Despite being a midfielder, Lampard is among the ten highest goal-scorers in the Premier League, being able to find the back of the net from dead-ball situations. He had a huge influence on his team and the pitch of play.
2. Steven Gerrard
EPL Titles: 0
Appearances: 504
Goals: 120
Although Gerrard never won the Premier League title, his contribution to the English top flight cannot be over-emphasised.
Many believe he is the 'most complete midfielder' as he could run box-to-box, make defensive tackles, take great shots, and make aggressive runs. He is an iconic legend of the sport and his club, Liverpool.
1. Paul Scholes
EPL Titles: 11
Appearances: 499
Goals: 107
Winning 11 Premier League titles is not child’s play. Scholes had it all when it comes to a ‘complete’ midfielder. He could shoot, pass, dribble and head the ball well, per BleacherReport.
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Source: Getty Images
He was strong, could keep the ball, and had a vision. If he could tackle, he would have been half-decent.
Guardiola settles EPL midfielder debate
Sports Brief earlier reported that Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola settled the midfielder debate about who is best between Gerrard, Scholes, and Lampard.
The three Englishmen played for the biggest clubs in the Premier League - namely Liverpool, Man United, and Chelsea, and won almost everything in club football.
The former Barcelona manager was quizzed about his verdict on the famous midfielder debate and gave his opinion on which was ahead of the others and why he felt so.
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