10 best midfielders in the Premier League era

Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were two of the greatest midfielders in the Premier League era.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard were two of the greatest midfielders in the Premier League era.

Midfielders are the players who are the engine of the team. The link between defence and attack, they can split an opposition defence with one pass or make a crucial tackle to deny a scoring chance for the opponents.

There have been some truly amazing players who have graced the Premier League, and to pick the top 10 midfielders in the Premier League era is no easy task. Players from the traditional heavyweights, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal all make the list.

We take a look at the top 10 midfielders in the Premier League era.


#10 Michael Essien (Chelsea)

Essien is one of the greatest African players of this generation
Essien is one of the greatest African players of this generation

One of the best box-to-box midfielders to have played in the Premier League, Michael Essien was one of the main reasons for Chelsea’s success between 2005 and 2010. Essien’s ability to exert energy in supporting offensive and defensive play, and his tough tackling style has earned him the nickname "The Bison."

The Ghanian midfielder was at Chelsea from 2005 till 2014; however, he is best remembered for his contributions from 2005-2010. He won two Premier League titles in that period, and he was also voted as Chelsea player of the year in 2007.

Essien was so good at his peak that he was even nominated for the FIFA World Player of the year award in 2006 and 2007. The Ghanian’s hardworking displays in the centre of the park for Chelsea made him a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.


#9 Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Yaya Toure has been one of Manchester City’s best players in the recent Premier League seasons
Yaya Toure has been one of Manchester City’s best players in the recent Premier League seasons

Formerly a defender, Yaya Toure was primarily a box-to-box midfielder, often switching between offensive and defensive stances throughout matches. Touré was a complete midfielder who can play in several midfield positions, and is regarded as one of the best midfielders of this generation.

The Ivory Coast man has played an integral part in both of Manchester City’s Premier League triumphs. and he was voted in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year in the 2011/12 and 2013/14 seasons.

The midfielder has won the African Footballer of the Year four times in a row between 2011 and 2014. Toure is widely regarded as one of Manchester City's greatest ever players, as he played a pivotal role in establishing the Cityzens as a force in world football.


#8 Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal/Chelsea)

Fabregas shocked many Arsenal supporters by moving to Chelsea in 2014
Fabregas shocked many Arsenal supporters by moving to Chelsea in 2014

Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. Ths Spaniard enjoyed eight stellar years at Arsenal before he moved to his childhood club Barcelona.

However, in 2014 he returned to the Premier League and joined Arsenal’s rivals, Chelsea, winning the Premier League in his first season with the Blues. Functioning mostly as a playmaker, he was described as the general of Arsenal's first team, bringing vision and creativity to the Gunners' intricate passing game.

Between 2006-2011, Fabregas created the most chances in Europe's top-fove leagues. At Chelsea, he played a slightly deeper creative role, but he was still very effective as he provided numerous assists during their successful campaign in the 2014/15 season.

Fabregas secured a move to Monaco in January 2019 but his time in the Premier League will be remembered for years to come, as he represented two major clubs in Arsenal and Chelsea.


#7 Xabi Alonso (Liverpool)

Xabi Alonso is one of the best midfielders to have ever played for Liverpool
Xabi Alonso is one of the best midfielders to have ever played for Liverpool

A complete, consistent, hardworking and versatile midfielder, Alonso is regarded as one of the best players of his generatio. Gifted with good technique, as well as excellent vision and varied passing range, he excelled in the deep-lying playmaking role, as he played some of the best football of his career with the Merseyside club.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was deeply impressed with his team-mate’s ability and the former Liverpool captain lavished praise on the Spaniard.

“He is one of the best if not the best midfielder in the world. Alonso is brilliant, and I loved playing with him.”

Alonso famously won the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup with Liverpool, but the Premier League title somehow eluded the talented Spaniard.


#6 Claude Makelele (Chelsea)

Makelele is probably one of the most underrated players in the world
Makelele is probably one of the most underrated players in the world

Claude Makelele is considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders ever to play the game. The Frenchman redefined the midfield enforcer role and was renowned for his positioning and reading of the game.

Makelele spent five years in Chelsea from 2003-2008 and was a major part of Jose Mourinho’s title-winning sides, playing 67 times in the Premier League in the two seasons when Chelsea won the title. The Frenchman was extremely hard-working and never hesitated to put his body on the line for the Blues.

Makelele was not a physical powerhouse, neither was he blessed with technical ability in abundance. What he did have was immense intelligence, seeing attacks before they happened and he sniffed them out in the most efficient manner possible.

His tackling and positional sense was a joy to behold, as he routinely stopped players who were stronger than him.

The former Real Madrid man played a huge role in spearheading to Chelsea to back-to-back league titles. He also starred for France in the same role in the 2006 World Cup, reaching the final with a midfield that comprised of himself, Patrick Vieira, and former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.


#5 Frank Lampard (West Ham/Chelsea/Manchester City)

Lampard is the best goal-scoring midfielder of the Premier League era
Lampard is the best goal-scoring midfielder of the Premier League era

Frank Lampard has played for West Ham and Manchester City, but he is best known for his time at Chelsea. The Englishman spent the majority of his career from at Stamford Bridge and is regarded as one of their best players in the Premier League era.

A three-time Chelsea Player of the year and the club's top scorer with 211 goals, Lampard was a fantastic player for Chelsea and his goal-scoring exploits were sensational. A hard-working player with stamina and an ability to read the game, Lampard is also capable of functioning creatively, due to his technique, vision, and passing range.

In addition to his creative and defensive midfield roles, Lampard also had a keen eye for goal, due to his ability to make attacking runs and. These attributes enabled him to maintain a prolific goal-scoring record throughout his career, despite his deep playing position.

Lampard won 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups and a Champions League title in his long and accomplished career. In the summer of 2019, the legendary midfielder return to Stamford Bridge, as he replaced Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea manager.


#4 Patrick Vieira (Arsenal/Manchester City)

Vieira was probably the best captain Arsene Wenger has ever had
Vieira was probably the best captain Arsene Wenger has ever had

A dynamic midfield player whose ability to bring the ball from defence to attack was a marvel to behold, Patrick Vieira was the captain of the incredible Arsenal "invincibles" side. The Frenchman was a player whose quality of tackling, passing energy and determination made him a natural fit to the league and an easy player for Arsenal fans to fall for.

The ability to regularly beat people with the ball, especially in the middle, is a rare one, but to Vieira this seemed to come naturally. A combination of height and strength coupled with technique and composure made him a vital cog of Arsenal's gameplan.

Vieira's battles with Manchester United's Roy Keane were legendary, and it was a treat to watch two of the best midfielders of their generation go head to head. The facts of Vieira's career speak for themselves.

At the time of his retirement, he had amassed 107 caps for France (including the '98 World Cup and 2000 Euros), featured in six seasons in a row in the PFA Team of the year at Arsenal and won three Premier Leagues with the Gunners.


#3 Roy Keane (Manchester United)

Roy Keane's battles with Arsenal's Patrick Vieira was the stuff of legends
Roy Keane's battles with Arsenal's Patrick Vieira was the stuff of legends

Old Trafford has witnessed many spectacular individuals donning the Manchester United captain's armband and has also seen quite a few ordinary players being entrusted with this armband. No prizes for guessing which category Roy Keane falls under.

Keane was one of the most inspirational captains the game has ever seen. Composed on the ball but utterly different off it, ther mercurial midifielder is credited for instilling the never say die attitude in Manchester United's squad.

Keane was known for his hot temper, and he spoke about how he tried to maintain some semblance of control in the latter stages of his career.

"I'd come to one firm conclusion, which was to stay on the pitch for ninety minutes in every game. In other words, to curb the reckless, intemperate streak in my nature that led to sendings-off and injuries."

7 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and one Champions League title with Manchester United cemented his status as one of the legends of the game.


#2 Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

Steven Gerrard is probably the greatest Liverpool player of all time
Steven Gerrard is probably the greatest Liverpool player of all time

Steven Gerrard is the one genuinely world-class player who stuck with Liverpool through think and thin. A one-club man, Gerrard is a creative midfielder with limitless energy and was renowned for being a big-game player.

A real leader, Gerrard was a tireless runner and was blessed with superb vision. Renowned for his pace, work-rate and stamina in his prime, he remains one of Liverpool's greatest ever players and will be remembered for years to come at Anfield.

He also possesses excellent technical and aerial ability, as well as notable defensive attributes. Gerrard is also widely regarded for his leadership abilities and his capability to inspire his team-mates during the toughest of situations.

Although he has never won the Premier League title, the Englishman is one of the best midfielders to have graced the English top-flight.


#1 Paul Scholes (Manchester United)

Paul Scholes is the most decorated English footballer of all time
Paul Scholes is the most decorated English footballer of all time

Xavi referred to Paul Scholes as "the best central midfielder he has seen in the last 15-20 years". The ginger genius was one of the best players the Premier League has ever seen. He won an astonishing 25 trophies with Manchester United, which includes 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.

Scholes was highly regarded for his technical skills, accurate passing, intelligent movement and powerful shooting from long range. A well-rounded midfielder in his prime, he alternated between several positions in the centre of the park.

Widely regarded by his peers as one of the best in the world, Scholes has received praise from players like Zinedine Zidane, Edgar Davids and Pep Guardiola. One of the best players Manchester United have ever had, Scholes was capable of pulling strings in midfield and controlling the tempo of the game effortlessly.


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Edited by Staff Editor