Jack Grealish names top 10 Premier League midfielders – but omits Paul Scholes

Jack Grealish has named Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo as his greatest midfielder in Premier League history.

Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard and Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne made up the top three – while there was somewhat surprisingly no place in the list for the likes of United stars from the past Paul Scholes or Roy Keane.

Grealish, who has put pen to paper on a new five-year deal with Aston Villa, clearly had some difficult decisions to make, but could not look past Ronaldo when choosing the best of all time.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “I know he’s (Ronaldo) gone on to be a forward, or even a striker, but when he was in the Premier League he was a left midfielder and now it’s obviously a toss up between him and Messi for who is the best player in the world.

“His actual record for scoring goals in the Premier League was frightening for a midfielder.”

On second-placed Gerrard, Grealish said: “Him or JT (John Terry) are the two best captains of all time in the Premier League. He was unbelievable, scored so many banging goals and he’s another one where in the prime of his career he just had everything.

“He was fast, he was strong, he could shoot, he could defend, he could assist. He just had absolutely everything and that’s why he was at the top for so long.”

Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard made up Grealish’s top five, while there was also a place on the list for Yaya Toure, Cesc Fabregas, Gareth Bale, Patrick Vieira and David Silva.

Who is the greatest Premier League midfielder of all time? Have your say below.

Grealish’s top 10 Premier League midfielders

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

2. Steven Gerrard

3. Kevin de Bruyne

4. Ryan Giggs

5. Frank Lampard

6. Yaya Toure

7. Cesc Fabregas

8. Gareth Bale

9. Patrick Vieira

10. David Silva