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The Premier League has been graced by some of the finest midfielders in the game.
The role of a midfielder can be varied; some may be more attack-minded than others. On that note, let's have a look at the five best midfielders in Premier League history.
#5 Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is arguably Liverpool's greatest ever player. Starting off his Liverpool career in 1998, Gerrard won two FA Cups and three League Cups. He also won the UEFA Champions League with the Reds in 2005.
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One of the best midfielders of his generation, Gerrard was known for his hardworking nature and versatility. Capable of playing anywhere in midfield, Gerrard had a reputation of shining on the biggest stage.
He scored in three Cup finals as well as in the Champions League final that has since been dubbed the 'miracle of Istanbul'. Gerrard's style of play was unique; he could play short passes just as well as long, spreading ones. He also made stellar contributions in defence.
Gerrard regularly took free-kicks and penalties during his career. He scored 121 goals and assisted 97 in over 500 games in the Premier League.
Captain of Liverpool for most of his career, Steven Gerrard, is fondly remembered by the Reds faithful. It's a shame a Premier League title eluded him, but he did come close to one in 2014.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Manchester United's pursuit of Jadon Sancho, Chelsea's plans for Hakimi, and more.
#4 Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira was one of the most dominating midfielders in the Premier League. Signed by Arsenal from AC Milan for a reported £3.5 million, Vieira went on to rewrite the Premier League's definition of an ideal midfielder.
Renowned for his work rate and relentlessness, Vieira was a fan-favourite at Arsenal. His midfield partnership with Emmanuel Petit is well documented, with many clubs trying to emulate the system even today.
A combative midfielder, Vieira received a fair share of criticism for his reckless tackles and on-field antics.
Boasting a trophy-laden resume, Patrick Vieira shone for both club and country. With Arsenal, the Frenchman won three Premier League titles, including the fabled 'Invincibles' triumph in 2003-04.
Vieira was the Arsenal captain that season as the Gunners became the first Premier League to go unbeaten in an entire season. The Frenchman also won four FA Cups with Arsenal, with his last kick for them coming in the FA Cup final win in 2005.
He moved to Juventus in 2005 and spent five years in Italy before returning to the Premier League, where he played for Manchester City for one season. He is still touted as one of the most influential captains in the Premier League era.
It is only fair to say that after Vieira left Arsenal in 2005, the Premier League club has failed to adequately replace him.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
#3 Roy Keane
Roy Keane was signed by Premier League giants Manchester United in 1993 for a reported £3.75 million. Four years later, he became the club captain.
Renowned for his hot-headedness and sometimes reckless style of play, Keane was a nightmare to play against. Several players have openly admitted their fear of the Irishman and their apprehensions about playing at Old Trafford, thanks to Keane. The Irishman captained one of the strongest Manchester United teams in history, winning silverware almost every season.
He was United's midfield general, controlling the tempo of games from his position. His positional intelligence and passing prowess particularly stood out. Keane was most revered for his leadership ability and was pretty vocal on the field.
In 12 seasons at Manchester United, Keane won a staggering seven Premier League titles and four FA Cups. His laurels as captain are unmatched to this day, and Keane remains one of the most successful players in Premier League history.
#2 Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes is a well-known name in Premier League history and for good reason. Part of the famous 'Class of '92', Scholes broke into the Manchester United first team in 1994-95.
Renowned for his trademark passes, Scholes had an uncanny ability to pick out teammates with consummate ease. Many players have called Scholes one of the best passers of all time, alongside the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Playing a deep-seated role in midfield, Scholes regularly conducted play from his position. He was often the go-to person on the field once his team had the ball as Scholes flourished with the freedom to dictate play. The Englishman had an eye for goal as well, often pitching in with magnificent long-range efforts.
Scholes made 499 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 107 goals and winning numerous trophies. The Englishman won the Premier League a record 11 times, and also won three FA Cups and League Cups. He also won the Champions League twice and the Club World Cup once.
Scholes has won the most Premier League titles of any player except one, which is an outstanding achievement.
#1 Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is arguably the best midfielder to grace the Premier League. A Chelsea legend, Lampard spent 13 seasons with the Blues. His midfield heroics in tandem with his goalscoring ability made him one of the best players of his generation.
Joining Chelsea in 2001, Lampard didn't take long to break into the first team. With the arrival of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, the stock of Lampard skyrocketed. The midfielder enjoyed two impeccable seasons, winning the Premier League title in successive years, as Chelsea emerged as a new force in English football.
Lampard was also renowned with his versatility. He was able to play as an attacking midfielder, defensive midfielder and also as a second striker. He is one of the most prolific goalscoring midfielders in Premier League history.
In 13 seasons with Chelsea, Lampard bagged 177 goals and 102 assists, putting him in the top five in the Premier League's all-time goalscoring leaderboard.
Lampard helped Chelsea to three Premier League and four FA Cup titles. Chelsea also won the UEFA Champions League in 2012, with Lampard playing a key role. The Englishman won several individual accolades as well, most notably finishing second in the Ballon d'Or race in 2005 and winning the Player of the Season award in 2004.
Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for England | UEFA Euro 2020.
