Weighing in on the perpetual Cristiano Ronaldo/Lionel Messi debate, Rio Ferdinand memorably pleaded with UK audiences during a punditry stint to avoid comparisons and “just enjoy ’em, man.”
But appreciating all is a concept seemingly not in the arsenal of the modern-day football supporter. There’s an insatiable need to determine who is best. Of course, such debates are often futile, especially when they’re staged through the echo chamber medium of social media.
Debates over a myriad of topics will forever rage between those who likely will never encounter one another in the flesh, and the latest in vogue discussion revolves around the best Premier League midfielder.
2024 Ballon d’Or victor Rodri limited this debate for some time, but the Spaniard’s long-term knee injury and subsequent rust meant the topic is being revisited. There’s scope for a new leading man to emerge, and Sky Sports’ Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have weighed in. The former is in Moisés Caicedo’s corner, the latter prefers fellow countryman Declan Rice.
Chelsea and Arsenal supporters believe their respective engine room master to be the top dog, but the Premier League is blessed with an array of standout midfield operators worthy of a mention. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton performs as if he graduated from Barcelona’s La Masia, Newcastle United have two brilliant operators in Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, Martín Zubimendi has hit the ground running alongside Rice at Arsenal, while Ryan Gravenberch was crucial to Liverpool’s title success last term.
And for his work in 2024–25, the Dutchman deserves to join Rice and Caicedo in the fight to be recognised as the Premier League’s best midfielder following Rodri’s plight.
So who really is the best?
Jump To:Ryan GravenberchDeclan RiceMoisés CaicedoWho Is the Premier League’s Best Midfielder?
