Last week, we revealed that football fans had crowned Thierry Henry as the Premier League's greatest ever player in the Mirror’s vote.After many rounds of voting - and thousands of votes cast - the Arsenal legend beat Ryan Giggs in the final with Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes sharing third place.This week, the Football Tweet Twitter account decided to do something similar. This time, however, they wanted to discover the greatest central midfielder in Premier League history.They sorted the 12 best central midfielders into three ‘semi-finals.’ The winner of each vote would then progress into a three-man final.Who would be crowned the best midfielder in Premier League history?In the first heat, Paul Scholes comfortably saw off Patrick Vieira, David Silva and Paul Pogba with 46.9% of the vote.
Following him into the final was Kevin de Bruyne, who narrowly got the better of Frank Lampard by 36.8% of the vote to 31.3%.Roy Keane and N’Golo Kante came third and fourth respectively in that vote.The third and final midfielder making his way to the final was Steven Gerard, who beat Yaya Toure, Cesc Fabregas and Claude Makelele picking up 53.3% of the vote.So to the final between Scholes, De Bruyne and Gerrard.Three incredible players for Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool respectively but there could only be one winner.And after 35,000 votes, Gerrard pipped Scholes to the win by the narrowest of margins.The Liverpool legend received 38.7% of the vote, with Scholes just 0.2% behind him. De Bruyne came third with 22.9%.
As incredible as Gerrard was, there will be many football fans who disagree with the result - especially as Scholes trumps Gerrard by 11 Premier League titles to zero.
But make no mistake about it, Gerrard was the best midfielder in the world on his day. He often dragged distinctly average Liverpool sides to trophies - including that unforgettable 2005 Champions League triumph.
He had opportunities to move to Real Madrid and Chelsea to further his career and win more trophies but decided he would remain at Anfield in the bid to achieve his ultimate dream - to win the Premier League with his boyhood club.
That dream was just out of reach but it wasn’t for a lack of trying on his part.
The greatest player in Liverpool’s history and, according to fans who took part in this vote, the greatest midfielder in Premier League history.