An ongoing debate across English and European football is who is the most talented and complete midfielder out of Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard. Pep Guardiola has answered the age-old question.
The Manchester City manager is regarded as one of the best coaches in world football, having worked with and developed with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. The latter two are classed as two of the best midfielders to have played the game, but England has also created some world-class talents.
Paul Scholes graduated from Manchester United’s academy to become one of the most successful players in Premier League history. From the FA Youth Cup with the Class of ‘92 to 11 league titles, three FA Cups and two Champions Leagues – amongst other silverware.
Frank Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea before moving to Manchester City and then finishing his career at New York City FC. Throughout his time at Stamford Bridge, where he became a club icon and legend, he lifted three Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, a Champions League and a Europa League, as well as other trophies.
Steven Gerrard was a Merseyside-born Liverpool player who stayed at his boyhood team from 1989 to 2015. In that time, he won two FA Cups, a Champions League, three League Cups, a Super Cup and UEFA Cup. Despite his long career in the top division of English football, he never lifted a league title.
Guardiola weighs in
The Spaniard himself has made a significant impact on the Premier League since being appointed City manager in 2016, winning a remarkable four league titles already.
He named his favourite of the three midfielders to Five UK, saying: “Big respect to Frank [Lampard] and Steven [Gerrard], but Paul Scholes is my favourite. I love him. I think he had everything.”
Paul Scholes
Especially tackling!
I agree with Pep 100%.
Gerald carried an average team. Scholes and Lampard played in teams packed with stars. I give it to Gerald on impact in an average team. He was a complete package, passer, scorer and captain.
People always throw up the medals Scholes won but if you replaced him with Gerrard in every game Gerrard would have won more trophies for Man Utd. Never once was Scholes “the difference” whereas Gerrard often won things almost on his own. Miles better than Scholes, could do everything Scholes did better and knew how to tackle!
Thanks for that valuable insight Ian.
Really, what would Pep or Xavi know on the subject of midfielders they have coached and played against?? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
At Least Scholes knew how to stay on his feet.
Gerrard nearly won games on his own because he had to,scholes was far better,better read of the game,better passer,scored more goals,says it all really haha you’re obvs a Liverpool fan lol
Very much agree with you. Gerald was way ahead of Scholes. He was not only difference maker, he provided incredible onfield leadership.
Gerald was incredible
am a liverpool fan, but to me Frank Lambard was the best. he was a master class midfielder.
Super Frankie for me. In the history of the EPL no midfielder can or has ever come close to his record in terms of goals an assists combined. Numbers don’t lie. All round player. EPL legend.
I am an Arsenal fan three of them are good but Paul Scholes haha edge over them but he retired very early on international stage that is a minus
I am a Manchester united fan but to be fair here, I would pick Steve G all day. That guy could do anything with the ball, and he was a born leader. Steve G was basically Liverpool. Liverpool without him was completely different.