Ranking criteria including goals, assists, and trophies have been used to determine the top 25 midfielders in Premier League history.
Even if he keeps solidifying his place as one of the greatest Premier League players of all time, Kevin De Bruyne is unable to place in the top four.
The three greatest midfielders of the Premier League era are still Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard.
Some of the most exceptional football players the world has ever seen have graced the Premier League during the years since its founding in 1992. Perhaps the most crucial position on the field, midfield has had the greatest impact on how games and entire seasons have turned out.
There are many various kinds of midfield players, ranging from an aggressive midfielder who aims to provide a ton of goals and assists to a defensive monster who does all in their power to defend the back line. Therefore, it is difficult to rank all of the different engine room professionals.
Factors that rank
There is some subjectivity involved in selecting the best player for any position on the field, and the midfield division is no exception. With their exceptional talent and impressive trophy hauls, some candidates practically choose themselves, but the ranking will always be debatable. For this reason, GIVEMESPORT has developed the following criteria to evaluate midfield players:
Objectives Support Trophies Expectation
The caliber of the teams they represented
Lifespan
The top 25 midfielders in Premier League history have now been ranked using the previously mentioned criteria. All of the aforementioned players have undoubtedly left their imprint on England’s first division, which is arguably the best league in the world of football. However, if active players continue to perform at the highest level, there may be some movement in the rankings.
The Premier League’s Top 25 Midfield Players
Rank
The player
Looks
Titles
One
Scholes, Paul
499
11.
2.
Gerrard, Steven
504
0
3.
Lampard, Frank
609.
3.
4.
Giggs, Ryan
632
13.
5.
* Kevin De Bruyne
277
6.
6.
Vieira, Patrick
307
3.
7.
Keane, Roy
366
7.
8.
Silva, David
309
4.
9.
Toure Yaya
230
3.
10.
Kante N’Golo
227
2.
11.
Fabregas Cesc
350
2.
Twelve
Beckham, David
265
6.
13.
Claude Makelele
144
2.
14
Essien, Michael
168
2.
15.
Paul Ince
306
2.
16
Carrick, Michael
481
5.
17
* James Milner
637
3.
18
Ji-Sung Park
154
4.
19.
Modric Luka
127
0
20
Henderson, Jordan
431
One
21
Fernandinho
264
5.
22
Arteta Mikel
284
0
23
Barry, Gareth
653
One
24
Matic Nemanja
251
3.
25
Scott Parker
367
One
*Continually participating in Premier League games
Picture collection of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history
25Scott Parker (1997-2017)
Premier League clubs: Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham United, Tottenham, Fulham
Scott Parker was the perfect example of a diligent, persistent midfield player. He continuously displayed a fantastic work ethic, exceptional tackling skills, and a talent for disrupting play across a variety of clubs. But the Englishman was more than simply a midfield grinder; he had a knack for long-range passes.
He deserves a place on this list because of his performances, which earned him the 2011 Footballer of the Year accolade from the Football Writers’ Association. Parker was always considered one of the finest in his position because of his amazing work ethic and his thirst for a good tackle, even though he played much of his career in the Premier League between mid-table and the lower end.
Premier League Statistics for Scott Parker
Looks
367
Objectives
24
Helps
21
Gains
128
Losses
141
24Nemanja Matic (2009-2011, 2014-2017)
Premier League clubs: Chelsea, Manchester United
Matic played a crucial role in midfield for Manchester United and Chelsea. The former Chelsea player, who is well-known for his muscular presence, defensive prowess, and ability to manage the game’s pace, was instrumental in the Blues’ Premier League championships in 2014–15 and 2016–17.
Before José Mourinho rejoined the team and welcomed Matic back to Stamford Bridge following his stellar stint at Benfica, the west London team had initially let the Serbian go. He was crucial in giving Cesc Fàbregas the latitude to be inventive in his attacking style, doing all the grunt work in front of Gary Cahill and John Terry. The confidence ‘The Special One’ had in the defensive-minded midfielder was then demonstrated when Mourinho brought Matic to Man United with him.
Premier League Statistics for Nemanja Matic
Looks
251
Objectives
6.
Helps
23
Gains
150
Losses
48
23Gareth Barry (1998-2020)
Premier League clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, West Brom
One of the Premier League’s most reliable players was Gareth Barry. Barry, who holds the record for the most Premier League appearances, was well-known for his work ethic, passing prowess, and tactical acumen. His influence extended across multiple clubs.
Even though he wasn’t the most showy of players, he was reliable for every team he played for, including West Brom, Man City, and Aston Villa. It’s quite subtle how Barry changed from a youthful midfielder who was eager to move forward and provide goals and assists to a more reserved individual who would patrol the middle of the pitch searching for fires to put out. One of his generation’s greatest at it.
Premier League Statistics for Gareth Barry
Looks
653
Objectives
53
Helps
64
Gains
262
Losses
198
22Mikel Arteta (2005-2016)
Premier League clubs: Everton, Arsenal
Mikel Arteta was a reliable player for Arsenal and Everton. He was frequently the creative center of his teams because of his technical proficiency, inventiveness, and set-piece talent. Arteta, who is currently manager of Arsenal, wants to develop the next generation of elite midfield players in north London.
The Spaniard scored a number of exceptional goals on English soil, including free kicks and long-range volleys, but he was by no means a frequent scorer. Many people consider Arteta to be one of the brightest brains in the Premier League right now because he has applied the brilliance he displayed on the field to his coaching and management.
Premier League Statistics for Mikel Arteta
Looks
284
Objectives
41
Helps
42
Gains
144
Losses
70
21Fernandinho (2013-2022)
Premier League clubs: Manchester City
It is impossible to overestimate Fernandinho’s contribution to Manchester City’s success as their midfield lynchpin. His ability to dominate play from deep, work ethic, and defensive prowess have been vital. The Brazilian can also slip into defense when necessary because to his versatility and tactical awareness.
Although the Spaniard is still making an impression, Rodri, who succeeded Fernandinho, will need to equal his Brazilian counterpart’s longevity and consistency in order to be included on this list. In their well-recorded struggles with Liverpool for the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola’s City club was held together by the Brazil international.
Fernandinho’s statistics in the Premier League
Looks
264
Objectives
20
Helps
19.
Gains
187
Losses
40
20Jordan Henderson (2008-2023)
Premier League clubs: Sunderland, Liverpool
Jordan Henderson has shown remarkable development as a player, and his work ethic, leadership, and passing skills have been essential to Liverpool’s recent success, notably their Premier League title in 2019–20. Under Jurgen Klopp, Henderson became a vital member of Liverpool’s squad due to his leadership, perseverance in midfield, and ability to manage games. several even think that if the midfielder hadn’t been suspended for several of the pivotal final games, Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool club would have won the Premier League trophy in 2013–14.
The former captain is still one of the best players to have played his position in the last 15 years or so, despite his contentious choice to go to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia following the conclusion of the 2022–23 season.
The Premier League Statistics for Jordan Henderson
Looks
431
Objectives
33
Helps
54
Gains
236
Losses
94
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