The English Premier League has been a hub of some of the most incredible footballing talents. The Premier League is amongst the toughest and most challenging leagues in European football, known for its competitive nature.
It has witnessed some top-class midfielders who strengthened their sides defensively as well as offensively. Whether it is contributing with goals, assists, or protecting the backline, these midfielders have been the core of their teams.
In this piece, we take a look at the ten best midfielders in the history of the Premier League in detail.
10. David Beckham
Team: Manchester United
Beckham attracted fans with his good looks, but the former England captain was amongst the finest midfielders who was a mix of technique and accuracy when it came to creating goal-scoring chances inside the box.
His accurate free kicks were his strengths, while his accurate long crosses helped the strikers move into goal-scoring positions.
9. N’golo Kante
Teams: Leicester City and Chelsea
Kante’s superiority as an attacking as well as a defensive midfielder made him look different. The midfielder troubled the best defensive units with his quick movements and tireless running.
His ability to win the ball and keep the ball in play with his clever movements outfoxed the opposition. He played a vital role for Leicester City during the 2015-16 Premier League season, helping them win the trophy for the first time. He scored 12 goals in 227 games with 17 assists.
8. Yaya Toure
Team: Manchester City
Toure’s game was a mix of technique, strength, and stamina that added width to Manchester City’s midfield. The former Ivory Coast international’s attacking runs from the midfield unsettled the best defences.
Toure used his reach to good effect while his strong tackles and interceptions allowed him to win the ball from the opposition. Toure was exceptional with his aerial poaching.
He scored 62 goals in 230 Premier League games with 32 assists. He contributed immensely to the Cityzens, helping them win the 2011-12 Premier League trophy.
7. Roy Keane
Teams: Nottingham Forest and Manchester United
Keane’s fearless and determined approach on the field was infectious. The former Irish international’s intense work ethic on the field combined with his ability to win possession with his hard tackles and keep the ball in play.
Keane’s leadership was second to none, while his technique allowed him to adjust to different conditions. His clever playmaking skills were a big plus for the strikers, as he partnered them to build attacks from any position. He scored 39 goals in 366 games with 33 assists.
6. Patrick Vieira
Teams: Arsenal and Manchester City
Vieira was known for his technical skills, defensive solidity, and physical play. He was a crucial part of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team.
The former French midfielder was the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, where he dictated terms with his offensive and defensive play. He scored 31 goals in 307 games with 34 assists.
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5. David Silva
Team: Manchester City
Silva’s deceptive pace often troubled the opposition’s defence. The former Spain midfielder was skilful with his passing and managed to sneak through the defenders with his clever movements and be in goal-scoring positions.
Silva’s clever sense of positioning enabled him to build attacks. He scored 60 goals in 309 games with 93 assists.
4. Ryan Giggs
Team: Manchester United
Arguably one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, Giggs showcased longevity and consistency throughout his career. He manned the central midfield fearlessly with his acceleration, stamina, and creative intelligence.
His passing was spot-on during the run of play. Giggs scored 109 goals in 632 games with 162 assists, helping the Red Devils win 13 Premier League trophies.
3. Frank Lampard
Team: Chelsea
Lampard’s game was a mix of clever passing and his ability to position himself in scoring positions. The former England midfielder timed his runs into the box with ease and had the knack of building attacks out of nowhere.
Lampard’s game went to the next level under Jose Mourinho, where he scored 177 goals in 609 games with 102 assists.
2. Steven Gerrard
Team: Liverpool
Gerrard was known for his all-round skills. Whether it was accurate passing, powerful shooting, or combative tackles, Gerrard was the core of Liverpool’s midfield.
Gerrard was a busy player, manning the midfield with sheer determination. He scored 120 goals in 504 games with 92 assists to his name.
1. Paul Scholes
Team: Manchester United
Scholes was one of the finest midfielders during the 1990s and early 2000s. The former England midfielder bloomed under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes showcased intelligence when it came to his clever movements and accuracy with his passing. The former midfielder covered a lot of ground with his clever marksmanship and could score with his long distance. He scored 107 goals in 499 games with 55 assists to his name.
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