Thierry Henry didn't hesitate when naming the Premier League's greatest ever midfielder

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry didn't hesitate when naming the Premier League's greatest midfielder - although did admit that the second-placed player was not too far behind.

Henry played in the Premier League for Arsenal between 1999 and 2007, and for a short spell on loan in 2012, meaning he has directly played against some of the league's all time top players.

His initial spell at Arsenal saw some of the most competitive Premier League title races, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all involved in competing for the crown at that stage.

Therefore, Henry is in a good position to judge the competition's greatest ever midfielder - with plenty of contenders involved.

But when the France icon made an appearance on Monday Night Football in September 2020, there was only one winner to the age-old question.

Henry, who now manages France's U21 side after club spells with Monaco and Montreal Impact, stated: "Paul Scholes.

"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."

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Five years earlier, in 2015, Henry was asked to name who he believed was the best Premier League player of the century up to that stage. And his answer was the same.

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."