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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

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.

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

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.

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"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.

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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.

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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 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 in MMA including Tom Aspinall and Michael Bisping.

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@benmcc14

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