Since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has grown to become the biggest football championship in the world and, with it, some of the greatest players of all time have graced English shores.
As we wave farewell to Stevie G, in no particular order we’ve been inspired to take a look at the six greatest midfielders of the Premier League era.
This list is authored by Sean Edmundson.
PAUL SCHOLES
Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes is often hailed as the greatest ever midfielder to grace the Premier League. Scholes spent his entire footballing career playing for the reds and was a crucial part of his teams charge to endless victories in both domestic and European competitions. He was a great all round player and an absolute master of the passing game; he was good at everything really, apart from tackling of course.
STEVEN GERRARD
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was always near the top of his game throughout his Anfield career, often quite literally dragging his entire team and turning a game on its head. A fan favourite and often cited as one of the greatest players of his generation, his incredible vision, finishing and iconic influence on Merseyside will be remembered for decades to come. Whilst Stevie begins playing for his new club LA Galaxy later this month his former club will be pursuing the only crown that alluded Gerard, The Premier League title, and the red’s are being tipped generously by Betfred to at least make the top 4 next season.
PATRICK VIEIRA
For over a decade French star Patrick Vieira was a formidable force at the heart of the Gunner’s midfield. An integral member of the legendary invincibles side, Vieira eventually became Wenger’s captain back in 2002 and always led by example taking games by the scruff of the neck and helping his team to victory on numerous occasions. Powerful with fantastic skill to boot, the former Juve man ended his playing days at Manchester City but will always be synonymous with Vicks vapour rub and his famous battles with Roy Keane.
FRANK LAMPARD
At 23 years of age Frank Lampard left East- London side West Ham United to begin his career playing at rival Londoner’s Chelsea. He spent 13 years with the blues and in that time developed and matured into a wonderful midfielder who managed to consistently score bags of goals for his club. Now aged 37, Frank is seeking to kick off a career in the US with a move to New York City FC.
XABI ALONSO
When former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso turned up on Merseyside he marked a new era in the club’s history. It was newly appointed manager Rafael Benítez that bought the Spanish international to Anfield in attempt to help out Gerard in the middle. Alonso was the backbone of the Liverpool team that completed the Miracle of Istanbul and it was a considerable loss for them, and the Premier League, when he eventually moved to Real Madrid in 2009.
ROY KEANE
“Pounding every blade of grass, competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion… I felt honoured to be associated with this player.” If that’s how Britain’s most successful club manager describes you then you mustn’t be half bad. Cork-born Roy Keane had a dazzling career in the Premier League and will forever be remembered as one of the most tenacious and determined midfielders of all time. Having been guided under the stewardship of legendary Brian Clough at Forest, Keane moved to Old Trafford in 1993 where he would go on to epitomize United’s winning mentality for over a decade.