30 Greatest Midfielders in Premier League History [Ranked]

Throughout the decades, since its inception in 1992, the Premier League has been graced by some of the most extraordinary footballing talents the world has ever seen. No position has been more influential in shaping the outcome of matches and entire seasons than midfield – arguably the most important position on the pitch.

Whether it’s an attacking midfield player who looks to contribute bundles of goals and assists, or a defensive monster who protects the back line with everything they have, there are many different types of midfield players. Trying to rank all the various engine room specialists, then, is a tough task.

Ranking factors

Trying to decide on the best player in any position on the pitch has a degree of subjectivity to it, and that is no different in the midfield department. Some candidates almost pick themselves with their extraordinary talent and remarkable trophy hauls, but the order is always going to be up for debate. This is why GIVEMESPORT have come up with the following factors to judge midfield players:

• Goals
• Assists
• Trophies
• Expectation
• Quality of teams they represented
• Longevity

Based on the criteria above, the 25 greatest midfielders in Premier League history have now been ranked. There’s no question that all the names mentioned have made their mark on England’s top flight – arguably the best league in world football – but there could be some movement in terms of the rankings if active players continue to shine at the highest level.

30

Ilkay Gundogan (2016-2023, 2024-2025)

Premier League clubs: Manchester City

With five Premier League titles to his name, Ilkay Gundogan has won more than most on this list. In fact, only nine midfielders have ever won the competition more times than the German.

Perhaps working against him, his qualities were lost a little amongst his talented teammates, such as Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Rodri, and co. That said, towards the end of his first spell at City, Gundogan truly stepped up to deliver a handful of extremely clutch moments to get his team across the line in crucial periods of the season. Without him, they certainly wouldn’t have won as much.

29

Xabi Alonso (2004-2009)

Premier League clubs: Liverpool

Xabi Alonso’s best moment for Liverpool came in the Champions League, as he played a vital role in the famous 2005 comeback against AC Milan. And while he never won the Premier League, he still delivered some fantastic performances for the Reds during his time at Anfield.

Playing often in tandem with midfield partner Steven Gerrard (more on him later), the Spaniard often brought the ice to the Englishman’s fire, although both men knew how to mix it up on that front. Both men were brilliant strikers of the ball, and Alonso proved this when he scored an outrageous Premier League goal against Newcastle United from his own half.

28

Mesut Ozil (2013-2021)

Premier League clubs: Arsenal

Mesut Ozil may not have got his hands on a Premier League trophy, but he still made a huge impression on the division. Bringing a near-unparalleled level of technical quality to English football, the German shone for Arsenal, delivering some gorgeous moments along the way.

His best season came in 2015/16 as he racked up a mammoth 19 assists, which has only ever been bettered by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry (who both managed 20). Had he joined the Gunners a little earlier into Arsene Wenger’s reign, he likely would have walked away with a Premier League title or two. As it was, he still brought joy to the pitch with his wonderful vision and left north London with four FA Cups under his belt.

27

Scott Parker (1997-2017)

Premier League clubs: Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham United, Tottenham, Fulham

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Scott Parker was the epitome of a hardworking, tenacious midfielder. Across numerous clubs, he consistently demonstrated a tremendous work rate, excellent tackling ability, and a knack for breaking up play. He wasn’t just a workhorse in midfield, however, as the Englishman had an eye for a long-range pass.

His performances earned him the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award in 2011, making him worthy of a spot on this list. While he spent the majority of his career between mid-table and the lower end of the Premier League, Parker was always viewed as one of the best in his position due to his incredible work ethic as well as his appetite for a solid tackle.

26

Nemanja Matic (2009-2011, 2014-2017)

Premier League clubs: Chelsea, Manchester United

Matic was a key figure in midfield for both Chelsea and Manchester United. Known for his physical presence, defensive skills, and ability to control the tempo of the game, the former Chelsea man played a significant role in the Blues’ 2014-15 and 2016-17 Premier League titles.

The Serbian had originally been let go by the west London outfit before José Mourinho returned to the club and brought Matic back to Stamford Bridge after his great spell at Benfica. He was key to allowing Cesc Fàbregas the freedom to be creative in an attacking sense, carrying out all the dirty work in front of John Terry and Gary Cahill. Mourinho then brought Matic to Man United with him, showing the trust ‘The Special One’ had in the defensive-minded midfielder.

25

Gareth Barry (1998-2020)

Premier League clubs: Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, West Brom

Gareth Barry was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League. Renowned for his work rate, passing ability, and tactical intelligence, Barry’s influence spanned several clubs, and he holds the record for the most Premier League appearances.

While not the most flashy of players, he was consistent for any side he played for, be it Aston Villa, Man City or even West Brom. Barry’s transformation from a young midfielder that was full of energy and desire to get forward to contribute goals and assists to a more reserved figure that would patrol the middle of the park looking for fires to put out is very understated. One of the best to do it of his generation.

24

Mikel Arteta (2005-2016)

Premier League clubs: Everton, Arsenal

Mikel Arteta was a consistent performer for both Everton and Arsenal. His technical skills, creativity, and set-piece ability were key features of his game, and he was often the creative hub of his teams. Now a manager at Arsenal, Arteta is hoping to bring through the next crop of world-class midfielders in north London.

He was far from being a prolific goalscorer, but the Spaniard scored several special goals on English soil, including free-kicks and volleys from range. Arteta has taken the intelligence he showed on the pitch into his coaching and management and is widely regarded as one of the best minds in the Premier League currently.

23

Luka Modric (2008-2012)

Premier League clubs: Tottenham

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Modric’s technical ability, vision, and passing range were standout features of his game during his time at Tottenham. While he didn’t win a Premier League title, his influence on matches and importance to Spurs was significant, helping the team consistently challenge for a top-four spot.

Tottenham surely regret letting the Croatian leave, considering he’s gone on to become one of the best midfielders of all time at Real Madrid, though his departure to one of Europe’s giants would have been inevitable in any case. Spurs fans wouldn’t have dreamed that Modric would go on to lift a Ballon d’Or when they were watching him run the show at White Hart Lane, but that’s exactly what he did. Had this list been based on the entire career of a player, Modric would be right among the top names.

22

Park Ji-Sung (2005-2014)

Premier League clubs: Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers

Park Ji-Sung’s time at Manchester United is a testament to the impact of hard work, tactical discipline, and selflessness. Though he was not the most flashy or technically gifted player, his tireless running, intelligent movement, and knack for scoring important goals made him a favourite of both fans and Sir Alex Ferguson.

The South Korean’s versatility allowed him to operate across the midfield, often tasked with marking some of the opposition’s key players out of the game. Park’s performances in big matches, especially in the Champions League, underline his value to the team. Despite often being under the radar compared to some of his more celebrated teammates, his contribution to United’s success, including four Premier League titles, was significant.

21

Bruno Fernandes (2020-Present)

Premier League clubs: Manchester United

If Bruno Fernandes were in any other iteration of the Manchester United squad, he could easily be flying high among the very upper echelons of this list. Instead, the player who has created more chances than anyone else in the Premier League over the past three seasons is left to carry the weight of the world, a one-man wrecking machine in arguably the worst side his club has ever seen.

Leading by example, the 31-year-old has won a worrying number of games for the Red Devils almost single-handedly. He keeps the engine running in midfield, but his contributions in both attack and defence are worth their weight in gold, proving he is the glue that holds a faltering side together.