Reader poll results – Discussing Kevin De Bruyne and the most influential midfielders of the Premier League era

Kevin De Bruyne’s impending exit from Manchester City has sparked discussions about the most influential midfielders of the Premier League era. Pep Guardiola praised De Bruyne’s impact at City, acknowledging his incredible contributions to the team. With 106 goals in 413 appearances and 187 Premier League goal contributions, De Bruyne has etched his name in City’s history books.

When discussing the greatest midfielders of the Premier League era, there are several standout names that come to mind. Yaya Toure, known for his unique style that combined physicality, defensive prowess, and attacking ability, played a crucial role in City’s success over the years. His versatility and impact on the pitch set him apart as one of the best midfielders in the league.

Frank Lampard, with his incredible goal-scoring record and work ethic, established himself as a dominant force in midfield during his time at Chelsea. His ability to find the back of the net consistently and contribute to his team’s success made him a standout performer in the Premier League.

Roy Keane, known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership qualities, was the heart and soul of Manchester United during their dominant years in the 1990s and early 2000s. Keane’s presence on the pitch elevated his teammates and solidified his place as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Xabi Alonso, with his range of passing and technical ability, left a lasting impression during his time at Liverpool. His memorable goals and contributions to the team’s success highlighted his talent and skill as a top-class midfielder.

Steven Gerrard, a true all-rounder with power, guile, range, and aggression, was a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. His ability to single-handedly change games and lead his team to victory made him a standout performer in the Premier League.

Cesc Fabregas, known for revolutionizing Arsenal’s style of play with his passing and vision, was a key player for both Arsenal and Chelsea during his time in the Premier League. His quality and influence on the pitch set him apart as one of the top midfielders in the league.

Patrick Vieira, who transformed the role of a midfielder during his time at Arsenal, was a complete package of athleticism, skill, and intelligence. His ability to dominate games and lead his team to success solidified his place as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.

N’Golo Kante, known for his ball-winning abilities and tireless work ethic, played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s remarkable title-winning season and Chelsea’s subsequent success. His impact on the pitch and consecutive Premier League titles set him apart as one of the top midfielders in the league.

David Silva, with his tempo-setting approach and control of the game, was a key player for Manchester City during his time at the club. His influence on the team’s success and ability to make City tick highlighted his importance as a top-class midfielder.

These midfielders have left a lasting legacy in the Premier League and have solidified their places as some of the greatest players to grace the English top flight. As fans reflect on their contributions and impact on the game, it’s clear that these midfielders have left an indelible mark on the history of the Premier League.