Top 10 Best Midfielders in Premier League History (Ranked)

The English Premier League is renowned worldwide as the most physical competition, where the highest quality of football is played. From the best coaches to the best players and clubs, the English top division is the highest stage of league competitions and has been home to some of the best midfielders in Premier League. Among these legends are the midfielders who run the game on their own and are known for pulling the strings on the field with flying colours and skills. These elite midfielders were so complete throughout the years that they could change matches single-handedly.

In this article, we will be crafting a star-studded list of Premier League best midfielders. Midfielders can create, defend, and carry the ball independently, almost seeming too good for their positions. The midfield is considered the team’s engine; only gifted players can orchestrate the work needed in tight spaces. From the effortless magic of David Silva and Cesc Fabregas to the elegance and vision of Kevin De Bruyne, the playstyle of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard always pouncing on loose balls.

List of Best Premier League Midfielders Ever

Now, let’s take a look at the list of the best midfielders in Premier League history based on their contribution, trophies won, and their impact on the team’s success.

How We Ranked the Premier League Best Midfielders of All Time?

Here are the ranking factors that we have considered before ranking the names of the best Premier League midfielders ever: These factors are goal contribution, number of times they won the title, and impact on the team.

• Goal Contributions: The primary parameter considered while ranking the Premier League best midfielders is goal contribution, which helped us in determining the ranking of the players. This factor includes goals and assists, passing accuracy, and key chances.
• Premier League Trophies: To measure the greatness of the Premier League midfielders, we have included this factor in our list. This will work as a tiebreaker between players having almost the same stats, as it further adds to the glitter to the player's portfolio.
• Impact on the Team: This factor has helped us determine the player’s role or his significance on the pitch during tight games. Whether they can keep their calm and composure during tense times against tough rivals or not. It's by far the most crucial factor.

Who are the Best Midfielders in Premier League History?

Before we start ranking the best midfielders in Premier League, we want to make you aware that these rankings are completely based on the above criterion given – we’ve considered players who have played at least 100 games in the Premier League & they were present in the league for more than 1 season with their respective club.

10. Rodri - Spain

While some may question Rodri’s entry on this list, he is still the only Ballon d’Or winner in this list. The Spanish midfield ace Rodri came from Atletico Madrid to the Premier League as one of the most expensive midfielders ever. Though he took a season to settle into Manchester City’s injured side, he solidified his place by taking over Fernandinho in the City midfield. Rodri has cemented his place as one of the best Premier League midfielders for years now.

The 2024 UEFA Euro Champion, Rodri, is the finest at dictating the speed of play, winning balls with his immense strength, and giving important through balls, leading to goals. He has already won four successive Premier League and scored in the UEFA Champions League final, helping City win the Treble. Rodri held the record for being unbeaten for an entire year and has put midfielders back on the map in the same league as attackers when naming players who could win their teams the match.

9. Cesc Fabregas - Spain

Hailing from Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, Cesc Fabregas was a force to be reckoned with at his prime. He was brought to the Premier League by Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, and the midfielder immediately impressed the fans with how effortlessly he made the most difficult passes. Fabregas is currently the third-highest assist provider in the league with 111 assists to his name, alongside 50 goals and two Premier League titles for Chelsea and Arsenal.

Fabregas’ solo goal against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in 2009, just seconds into the second half, remains one of the most iconic moments of the North London Derby. He also had iconic moments for Chelsea, when he scored a late winner in their 2015-16 title-winning campaign against QPR in the dying minutes of the game. Fabregas has scored 50 goals and provided 117 assists throughout his time in the Premier League. the Spaniard midfielder has been remembered as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history

8. Roy Keane - England

When mentioning Premier League best midfielders, the former Manchester United captain Roy Keane is a name symbolic. His playing style of a no-nonsense, old-school, and physical player who gave everything on the field. The Irishman was a figure of respect and fear amongst his rivals. He had several iconic battles with Patrick Viera, with the duo going end-to-end to win matches and leagues. Keane spent over a decade at Manchester United and won 7 Premier League titles at Old Trafford.

Arguably the greatest captain in football history, Roy Keane’s aggression had impressed Sir Alex Ferguson, who signed him from Nottingham Forrest, and he fit right into the United midfield to lead them into one of their golden eras. He was one of the most dominant figures of his time and played for the Red Devils fearlessly before he finished his career at Celtic. Hence, the legendary defensive midfielder is hailed as one of the best midfielders in Premier League.

7. David Silva - Spain

When we talk about players who were born to play football, David Silva would often be the first name on the list. Also known as ‘El Mago, ‘ Silva had a gifted touch on the ball that helped him exploit tight spaces and destroy defences like they were not in front of him. With the duo combining, Silva had the most iconic partnership with the 5th all-time highest scorer in the league, Sergio Aguero. One of the Best Premier League midfielders ever, Silva is currently the seventh highest assists provider in the league with 93 contributions.

In his time in the Premier League with Manchester City, David Silva won four league titles and left the league as a legend and icon of the game. He was also a key figure with his national team and was often named the Team of the Year, further underlining his quality. Silva and Toure led the charge for Manchester City’s resurgence in the league. They were a part of some of the iconic games, like their 6-1 victory over Manchester United, with him providing a beautiful assist to Eden Dzeko for the final goal. The Spanish icon is considered amongst the best Spanish players to grace the EPL.

6. Yaya Toure - Ivory Coast

The Manchester City icon, Yaya Toure, makes this list as one of the most underrated players. Toure was magical to watch, with a stature that allowed him to play in defence in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final for Barcelona, and he won the treble. Soon after, he moved on to become one of the biggest names for Manchester City. Yaya Toure was one of those players who announced himself on the top stage. He was allowed to lead the charge for early success at City and would have one of the best seasons ever for a midfielder in 2013-14 season.

The former Ivorian international scored 20 goals, which was the most ever by a midfielder, and assisted 9 times in the season, scoring goals all by himself or through set pieces. Yaya Toure was a magical player in a league of his own. He was one of the most complete midfielders ever and the African Player of the Year four times, winning 3 Premier League titles in his time. Hence, one of the greatest African footballers also finds a place in the list of best Premier League midfielders ever

5. Patrick Vieira - France

One of the best Premier League midfielders of all time, Patrick Vieira was an Arsenal legend who led them to the Invincibles season and was a powerhouse in the middle of the pitch. While the Frenchman was mainly deployed as a defensive midfielder, his strength helped him make runs through the opposition’s attack, score goals on his own, or set up his teammates. The three-time Premier League champion, Viera, was almost impossible to mark and could easily take the ball off players.

He won three league titles with Arsenal and then transferred to Manchester City later in his career. Throughout his decade-long stint in the Premier League, Vieira came and left like a star, with all eyes on him whenever he started a match. He is still known for his iconic battles against Roy Keane, where the two put everything on the line to win. The midfield icon made over 300 appearances in the English top flight and managed to score 31 goals and provide 35 assists in total.

4. Steven Gerrard - England

The English icon, Steven Gerrard, is another iconic name of the Premier League, known for leading the Merseyside giants Liverpool. While he never won a league title, he helped Liverpool win other domestic trophies and the Champions League in one of the best finals. Gerrard was known for his all-around game and ability to score screamers from far-off distances. Gerrard has cemented his place as one of the best midfielders in Premier League. He is also regarded as one of the best English footballers of all time.

The former Liverpool captain's playmaking ability was also second to none, and he often shifted in the defence. In a career spanning almost two decades for the Reds, he scored over 120 times and provided nearly 100 assists, making iconic partnerships with Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez. During his time in the Premier League, the English player has scored 121 goals and provided 97 assists, though the trophy cabinet remains empty for Steven Gerrard.

3. Frank Lampard - England

Widely renowned as the best Premier League midfielders of all time, Frank Lampard was a Premier League great, starting his career at West Ham and then immediately being picked up by Chelsea, where he established himself as the greatest Chelsea player ever. He was a box-to-box midfielder who played a stunning 611 matches, scoring 177 goals and providing 114 assists in the league, making him the only midfielder to appear in the top-appearances, top-assist, and top-goal-scoring lists of the EPL.

The England legend was also a versatile player, playing in all midfield positions and lifting the league three times with West London side Chelsea and the UEFA Champions League. Lampard ended his career with a season at Manchester City before moving to the Major League Soccer. He could hit long shots and had almost a poaching ability, being a midfielder coach relied upon for scoring goals. 611 appearances of Frank Lampard tell how important a player he was for his team.

2. Paul Scholes - England

Paul Scholes is considered one of the best midfielders to play the game; thus, his place in this list was guaranteed. known for his passing and composure on the ball. Scholes could provide inch-perfect crosses and long balls, which often changed the course of the match. His longevity is another thing that showcases his quality of being an engine in the midfield for two different golden generations at Old Trafford. Often hailed as one of the best midfielders in Premier League for his performance and dominance in the English Premier League.

He has the most Premier League titles on this list at 11, with him providing 61 assists as a central midfielder and scoring 107 times in almost 500 appearances. Scholes was a midfield icon for nearly two decades and has the third-highest yellow cards in the competition at 97, showcasing he would often put in tackles but still be in attack. Paul is in a different conversation as midfielders during the 90s and 00s were more complete and had more duties than midfielders in the current era. Paul Scholes has cemented his place as one of the greatest Manchester United players of all time.

1. Kevin De Bruyne - Belgium

At first, we have the Belgian icon Kevin De Bruyne, who stepped into the Premier League as someone who would have led the Chelsea midfield in 2012. He was signed from Genk on deadline day for Jose Mourinho’s side, but would never be able to make his place at the London club. Frustrated after making just three appearances in the league despite providing an assist, he was sold as someone who could not make his place in the stacked Chelsea team of the time.

Nonetheless, he would live up to his potential in Germany for two years before moving back to the Premier League in the 2015/16 season under Manuel Pellegrini. The Belgian stepped back into the League as a transformed player and would go on to do things for City in the next decade nobody could have ever dreamt of. De Bruyne has led the charge for City’s magnificent midfield, assisting from angles that would make short passes for many. Over a decade-long spell at Eithad, he cemented himself as the best Premier League midfielders of all time.