Arsenal legend Thierry Henry confidently named the Premier League’s greatest-ever midfielder, although he acknowledged that another player comes close.
During his eight years at Arsenal, Henry won numerous team and individual trophies, earning recognition as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.
Throughout his career in the English top division, he competed alongside and against some of the best players in the league’s history, as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea fought for the title. ..Continue Reading
Given his experience, Henry is perhaps the ideal person to answer the age-old question of who the Premier League’s best-ever midfielder is.
For decades, fans of various English clubs have debated the top player in the midfield position. When Henry appeared on Monday Night Football in September 2020, he had no doubt about his choice for the best.
“Paul Scholes,” stated the Premier League great.
“The next would have been, right behind, very close, Steven Gerrard. But I have to go with Paul Scholes.
“He was just ahead in his head. He made Manchester United tick. Every time we were playing them, we needed to find a way to stop him, it’s true.
“I think Stevie G comes really close to him. But Paul Scholes would have to win. You guys in England had, on paper, the best midfield in the world.”
Five years prior, Henry was asked to identify who he considered to be the best Premier League player of the century so far, and he gave the same answer.
He told Sky News: “I don’t think people have given him the credit he deserves. One of the best, if not the best, I’ve played against. He could do anything.
“I think Paul Scholes is one of the best I’ve played against in this league, and seen anywhere.”
When fans think about the Premier League’s top midfielders, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard are usually the first names mentioned, with Frank Lampard not far behind.
Recently, though, Kevin de Bruyne of Manchester City has arguably secured his place in this debate, consistently demonstrating his world-class abilities despite dealing with injuries that have limited his playing time.
