sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Thierry Henry didn't hesitate when naming the greatest Premier League midfielder of all time
Home>Football>Premier League
Published 21:26 8 Feb 2025 GMT

Thierry Henry didn't hesitate when naming the greatest Premier League midfielder of all time

The Arsenal legend had no doubts about who the best midfielder ever to play in England was.

Ben McCrum

Ben McCrum

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry had no issue picking the Premier League's best-ever midfielder, but there's one other player who comes close.

Having won a series of both team and individual trophies during his eight years playing for Arsenal, Henry is viewed by many as one of the greatest Premier League players of all time.

His time in the English top division saw him play both alongside and against some of the top players in the competition's history, as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea all battled it out for the title.

Therefore, there is perhaps no better player to answer the classic question, who is the Premier League's greatest ever midfielder?

Advert

For decades, fans of several English clubs have debated who the best player to occupy the centre of the pitch, but when the Henry made an appearance on Monday Night Football back in September 2020, he had no doubt who came out on top.

"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 earlier, Henry was asked more broadly to name who he believed was the best Premier League player of the century up, and his answer was the same.

Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes faced off on several occasions in the Premier League. (Image: Getty)
Thierry Henry and Paul Scholes faced off on several occasions in the Premier League. (Image: Getty)

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 typically consider the League's best midfielder, Scholes and Gerrard are often the first two names that come to mind, with Frank Lampard closely behind.

However, more recently Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne has perhaps earned himself a spot in the conversation as he continues to prove that he is one of the very best players in the world, despite injuries limiting his minutes.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports

Topics: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Kevin De Bruyne

Ben McCrum
Ben McCrum

Ben is a sports journalist who specialises in football, Formula One and MMA. He has written for publications such as Manchester Evening News, WiganToday, Manchester World and beIN Sports. Throughout his career, he has interviewed top athletes including Gareth Southgate, Luke Littler, Tom Aspinall and Jenson Button.

X

@benmcc14

Recommended reads

'I wanted to give back to the sport that gave me everything' - Ashley Cole is finding himself in first manager jobGettyAn interview with Ben Stokes: 'English cricket doesn't lack talent... there are quite a few names'Getty ImagesMichael Bisping suggests radical eye poke rule change ahead of Tom Aspinall comebackGetty ImagesAndrea Pirlo interview: 'Football has changed and unfortunately we've been left behind' Getty Images

Advert

Choose your content:

an hour ago
3 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Barcelona and Real Madrid both turn down same £66 million player offered on a free transfer

    Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid all said no to the star for the same reason.

    Football
  • an hour ago

    Mexico v South Africa prediction and preview ahead of WC opener

    Our guide to the opening World Cup game between Mexico and South Africa.

    Football
  • Getty
    3 hours ago

    Special World Cup patches to be worn by 18 England players at tournament

    The patches will also be worn by the entire squads of multiple countries in the 2026 World Cup.

    Football
  • SPORTbible Originals
    5 hours ago

    Alan Shearer and Micah Richards among 27 celebs to predict World Cup winner

    The 2026 World Cup begins this week and these are the latest tournament predictions.

    Football
  • Thierry Henry didn't hesitate when naming the Premier League's greatest ever midfielder
  • Paul Scholes was 'the most overrated English footballer of all time' says ex-Premier League star
  • Frank Lampard didn't hesitate when settling the Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes debate
  • Steven Gerrard didn't hesitate when naming the ONE striker who he rates higher than Luis Suarez