Ever since the Premier League was established in 1992, it has never fallen short of quality. Several decades later, the Premier League has seen some of the most talented teams in the world. The heart of the success that all these teams enjoy is the midfield.
Whether it’s to come up with the decisive pass, score a long-range goal, drive into the box, or make a crucial challenge, some of these players had it all.
10. Rodri
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Manchester City
- Appearances: 175*
- Goals: 22
- Assists: 22
- Trophies: 1x Ballon d’Or, 1x UEFA Champions League Player of the Season, 1x UEFA Champions League, 4x Premier League, 1x FA Cup, 2x League Cup, 1x Community Shield, 1x UEFA Super Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup.
Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 and became a key part of their success under Pep Guardiola. He was crucial in their 2022/23 treble-winning season, scoring the UCL final winner. His standout performances earned him the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
9. David Silva
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Manchester City
- Appearances: 309
- Goals: 60
- Assists: 101
- Trophies: 4x Premier League, 2x FA Cup, 5x League Cup, 3x Community Shield
David Silva joined Manchester City in 2010 and quickly became the heartbeat of their midfield. He played a key role in the club’s rise under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership. A decade later, he left as a Premier League legend.
8. N’Golo Kanté
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Leicester City, Chelsea
- Appearances: 227
- Goals: 12
- Assists: 17
- Trophies: 1x Premier League Player of the Season, 1x PFA Players’ Player of the Year, 1x UEFA Champions League, 2x Premier League, 1x UEFA Europa League, 1x UEFA Super Cup, 1x FA Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup.
N’Golo Kanté rose from France’s third division to win the Premier League with Leicester City in just five years. Known for his relentless work rate, he was key to their historic title win. He later starred for Chelsea, helping them achieve domestic and European success.
7. Cesc Fàbregas
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Arsenal, Chelsea
- Appearances: 350
- Goals: 50
- Assists: 111
- Trophies: 2x Premier League, 1x Europa League, 2x FA Cup, 1x League Cup, 1x Community Shield
Cesc Fabregas broke into Arsenal’s first team at just 16, showcasing his La Masia-honed technical brilliance. Renowned for his passing and control, he dictated play with ease. He ranks third in all-time Premier League assists, behind only De Bruyne and Giggs.
6. Roy Keane
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Manchester United, Nottingham Forest
- Appearances: 366
- Goals: 39
- Assists: 33
- Trophies: 1x UEFA Champions League, 7x Premier League, 4x FA Cup, 4x Community Shield.
Roy Keane spent 13 years at Manchester United, becoming their most influential captain. Known for his fierce tackles and leadership, he gave everything on the pitch. Beyond his aggression, he was also a highly skilled and intelligent midfielder.
5. Patrick Vieira
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Arsenal, Manchester City
- Appearances: 292
- Goals: 29
- Assists: 34
- Trophies: 3x Premier League, 5x FA Cup, 3x Community Shield
Patrick Vieira was a key figure in Arsene Wenger’s dominant Arsenal side and the foundation of the Invincibles. Despite his physicality, he moved with grace and controlled midfields with ease. His fierce battles with Roy Keane remain iconic Premier League moments.
4. Frank Lampard
- Premier League Clubs Played For: West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City
- Appearances: 609
- Goals: 177
- Assists: 102
- Trophies: 1x UEFA Champions League, 3x Premier League, 1x UEFA Europa League, 4x FA Cup, 2x League Cup, 2x Community Shield.
Frank Lampard had an eye for a goal, which is not a normal description for a midfielder. He was very much a once-in-a-generation midfielder. His ability to time runs and arrive perfectly in the box earned him the title of the only non-forward in the Premier League’s Top 10 goalscorers.
3. Steven Gerrard
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Liverpool
- Appearances: 504
- Goals: 120
- Assists: 92
- Trophies: 1x PFA Player of the Year, 1x UEFA Best Player, 1x UEFA Champions League, 1x UEFA Cup, 2x UEFA Super Cup, 2x FA Cup, 3x League Cup, 2x Community Shield.
Steven Gerrard was a complete midfielder, capable of passing, tackling, scoring, and driving play forward. Though he never won the Premier League, he remains a Liverpool legend. His iconic 2005 UCL final performance sparked a miraculous comeback against AC Milan.
2. Paul Scholes
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Manchester United
- Appearances: 477
- Goals: 106
- Assists: 52
- Trophies: 2x UEFA Champions League, 11x Premier League, 4x FA Cup, 2x League Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup, 5x Community Shield.
With 11 Premier League titles to his name, Paul Scholes is among the most decorated players of the Premier League era. Paul Scholes had a wand for a right foot. He’s arguably the greatest passer the Premier League has ever seen; added to that, he had a strong ball striking ability.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
- Premier League Clubs Played For: Manchester City, Chelsea
- Appearances: 288
- Goals: 72
- Assists: 119
- Trophies: 2x Premier League Player of the Season, 1x UEFA Champions League, 6x Premier League, 2x FA Cup, 1x FIFA Club World Cup, 5x League Cup, 3x Community Shield
Kevin De Bruyne leaves the Premier League as one of its greatest ever, joining Napoli after a historic run with Man City. With 119 assists, he trails only Ryan Giggs in the all-time charts. A key figure in City’s treble-winning season, he’s a true midfield legend.
The Premier League has been graced with a plethora of talented midfielders, who have defined eras, dictated matches, and provided unforgettable moments. From Ballon d’Or-winning defensive midfielders, box-to-box engines, and attacking maestros, each has inspired a generation to reach their heights of talent. These players were all a joy to watch and remind us once again why football is called “The Beautiful Game.”
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
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