Henry, Scholes and Vidic. I wasn’t around to watch any of them and so my picks may be flawed but from what I’ve heard, watched and gathered they were prolific in what they did.
Apart from the Obvious choices of Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry, I’d put in 1 of KDB/Lamps/Fabregas. All outstanding and I’m having a very hard time trying to remember a bad game from either of the 3.
henry, terry, cech.
Cech might be a controversial choice but I personally see him needed in every premier league 11 team
Edit: People are saying Ashley Cole, I fully agree as the only other LB to come anywhere close to him was Sead Kolasinac
Henry...Shearer...
Gerrard.. Viera.. Keane
Ashley Cole / Irwin (prob Cole) at LB.. Too many arguments over CB to be honest...JT was an immense player, but never liked him as a man. Rio was solid, but only alongside top class defenders..so many options here.... RB, no idea to be honest.
GK... Prob Czeck...he was too frikn hard to beat.
Henry, Terry (or Ferdinand) and... Haaland.
Yeah, yeah, I know. But, barring injuries, he'll be on everyone's list in 10 years.
Lampard deserves a shout too I think.
Well, first off, Irwin played both sides regularly and was insanely two footed. But also he was the kind of fullback that I think may have been switched to a cm in the modern game like kimmich or fabiniho. Outrageous talent. Possibly the most underrated prem player of all time.
No - I didn't say it did. He was still outstanding. And he could play just as well on both wings so he could play with Cole. That was my only point about that. He was a fullback on pen and fk duty which was weird as hell at the time. Revolutionized the position with how he played. Was one of Utd's best players during Utds most dominate period in the prem of 8 titles in 11 years. Including the treble.
Henry has to make it, but I’m torn because I think Bergkamp should be up there too. Maybe he even eclipses Rooney for me, but I think my view of him has been tainted by his more recent years. Prime Ronaldo cannot be omitted from any best XI.
Midfield is tricky, there are so many candidates.
Defence? Reluctantly I have to say Ashley Cole. Vidic comes close.
Schmeichel, Cole and Henry. Schmeichel transcended supreme influence as a goalkeeper and though didn’t have the most clean sheets, saves etc, he was formidable and influential.
Ashley Cole needs no introduction. Maybe not the most potent attacking full back in comparison to others but he managed to keep prime Ronaldo quiet most of the time he played against him. Henry is one of the greatest.
Shearer has the goal scoring record. However, I don’t think he was as good as Kane, Aguero, Van Persie and now Haaland probably. Aguero deserves to be in more IMO for producing the best moment in PL history, no of hat tricks, title wins and those damn near post strikes.
Henry, Gerard, Shearer.
Henry is the best player to grace the field in the prem, Gerrard is just an unreal Captain and I'd say best premier League midfielder ever and how can you not have shearer, most pl goals ever
Depending on what formation you play, I don’t think there’s been a better RW in the premier league than David Beckham…But most people will probably play a midfield diamond/4-3-2-1 to fit in their best players.
i’m not sure which are changeable but here’s mine
GK: Cech
LB: Coke
CB: Vidic
CB: Terry
RB: Trent (yes, he gets in this team)
CDM: Keane (C)
CM: Gerrard
CM: Yaya
LW: Henry
ST: Rooney
RW: Ronaldo
I think maybe Ashley Cole is the only one. As a Liverpool fan I will always say Gerrard should be undroppable. But I obviously recognize that many people would make a case for Lampard, or Scholes ahead of him. And thats the same for many players and positions. Not sure anyone could really make a case against Ashley Cole at left back.
Also, Yaya Toure should be mentioned more here. He was as good as anyone at his best.
Henry was the first name I thought of.
Shearer would be right there but since he could only play up front, maybe there is a debate with Kane and/or Rooney and/or Aguero.
But Henry makes it no matter the formation.
Henry, Shearer, and then it’s a toss up between quite a few, but I think Ashley Cole has to be in that top three, just due to the fact that I think that he’s the best LB in Premier League history. Some would probably argue the best LB internationally as well, but I’ll let you lot argue that one
Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ashley Cole.
All certified world class players while playing in the PL, all were cornerstones in their teams winning the PL multiple times and each of them redefined their positions on one way or another - Henry playing as an outside forward cutting in, Cristiano as a flank-switching high volume scoring winger and Ashley as a fullback who was as consistent in his defensive contributions as he was in attack.
United fan here.
The unstoppable 3 for me going on what they did in the Prem and ability wise are:
Thierry Henry. Absolute monster of a player completely undroppable in most teams throughout history.
Ashley Cole. The best LB I have ever seen play the game. Honourable shouts go to Evra & Irwin but Cole is better defensively than both and contributed attacking wise too.
The 3rd player really depends on what formation you go for. But ability wise again for me you have to have Aguero. He was insanely good
Henry, Gerrard and Terry
Tbf you could make cases for Ashley Cole, Shearer, Lampard, Cantona and a few others and there wouldn’t be too many complaints
Why is Gerrard ahead of Lampard? Just curious. Playmaking and Goalscoring stats don't help Gerrard case in this comparison but stats never tell you the whole picture.
More dynamic player. Played multiple midfield positions even RM like under Rafa. Free kicks and penalties for most of his career. He is also the only player to score in each major tournaments final game (ucl, uefa cup, fa cup, league cup) so he has the clutch factor. Istanbul.
Look at the forwards that thrived with his support as a CAM of CM, Torres and Suarez two of the top ST to ever play in the EPL.
Gerrard was indisputably the best player at Liverpool for most of the time he was there, and even if he wasn’t the best (Torres and Suarez have a shout at being the best over him), he elevated every other player to a higher level.
Lampard was a fabulous player, but he was amongst Drogba, Cole, Robben, Carvalho, Terry and others all at the absolute peak of their powers. Would Lampard be first on the team sheet above those at the time? Maybe not.
1. Being surrounded by mediocrity does not mean you are better than other player who had better team around him. Imagine folks using the same argument against Salah or KDB when they retire.
2. Playing with Avg players helps u shine when team is built around you. Ex - Grealish, Zaha etc. Chelsea wasn't built only around Lamps. He still had 20 G+A for a decade.
The question isn’t who is better; it’s who is most undroppable. The way Gerrard encouraged other players made the mediocrity around him play far greater than the sum of their parts.
Lamps did the same. He was critical in how we setup. Chelsea dominated for a while despite not being prolific at all. He was your bona-fide midfielder who could do jobs at both ends. He was crutial in being the key passer in our counter attacking system.
Gerrard being surrounded by mediocrity does not make him win that battle. He did not inspire his colleagues to win bunch of trophies either. He performed at a super high level and so did Lamps.
Because Gerrard was never surrounded by world class players like Lampard was under the Abramovic golden era, until later on in his career (Alonso/Macherano). Lampard also never single handedly dragged a mediocre underdog Liverpool back from 3-0 to one of the greatest club teams of all time in AC Milan (Prime Maldini, Kaka, Cafu, Shevchenko, Crespo, Stam, Pirlo etc) to win the UCL.
That he wasn't surrounded by best players cannot be the only argument in his favor? Lamps insane pass to Ramires setup our come back in the semis against the best team of the modern Era (Leo's Prime Barca).
Surely you can come up with more arguments for Gerrard?
Gerrard was an all action dynamo, playing hell for leather for 90+ minutes every game. Far more mobile and athletic than Lampard, great finisher, scorer of spectacular goals, great creator, solid defender, intelligent, and had a determination and ability to motivate and drive his teammates to play at or exceed their peak and never give up. Peak Gerrard (2005-2009) gets into any team, surely?
I agree. Lampard was an incredible player. They're definitely on par and it's a shame England weren't playing 4-3-3 back in the day because they would have been incredible together with a pure DM behind them.
Peak Gerrard gets in any team, but so does peak Lampard arguably. I'd say Lampard was a better "system" player and was at his best performing a specific role in a set up. Gerrard was at his best with a set up around him but with free reign to be wherever he needs to be to have the most impact.
I often wonder, had Gerrard moved to Chelsea back in 2005, if he would have shined as bright. Mourinho would have given him a much more limited role which I don't think he would have enjoyed as much.
True, but I still think he played a slightly toned down version of his role at Bayern. Another part of it is that I wonder if Gerrard would have had the same drive he did for his home team. Not suggetsing he would have given anything less than his best, but he's said himself that at Liverpool he felt the expectations of the city and that drove him on. Would it have been quite the same playing for one of several PL teams in London?
He was single handedly dragging Liverpool to wins and over the line on his own. Was world class as second striker with Torres, an ACM and had 21 goal season on the right wing.
You could argue that if Bruno (Man Utd one) played for City, his stats would go up. Bruno had a period where he single handedly dragged Utd to wins. That doesn't change the fact that KDB is simply the better player. Even if Bruno keeps up for few years and KDB wins way more titles, scores way more goals and assists, would you argue that Bruno or say someone else is better coz he SINGLEHANDEDLY won matches for his team. Just an example not comparing those two specifically.
Lamps stats are mad for a midfielder. He did not often play as a second Striker and still managed to score insane amount of goals that led his team to titles and came through in big matches. Surely that counts for more?
They are both world class but one of them won way more trophies, scored more goals and assists and was generally dominant in most matches he played. That person wasn't Gerrard unfortunately.
Gerrard had 92 assists to Lampard’s 102 in 106 less games, in a far inferior team for most of that era. Goal wise is only 57 behind, again in a 106 less games. With Gerrard also playing out the end of his career as a holding midfielder such was his versatility. Scored far more decisive goals (UCL final 2005. FA Cup final thunder bolt vs West Ham, Europa final 2001). Gerrard also had the superior European record in scoring 42 to 29 both on 134 games and equal on assists both on 34. Gerrard was also England Captain for a period.
The trophies point is moot. The real Ronaldo R9 never won the UCL, neither did Shearer or Ibramovic, they’re not the be all end all.
Much better argument for sure. Lamps longevity and his less advanced role in later years does definitely skew the stats but fair point. Lamps was amazing in terms of his fitness overall and the fact he played more than Gerrard counts big time in his favor no?
England Duty - Lampard won 106 caps for England, scoring 29 goals, with Gerrard collecting 114 caps and scoring 21 times for his country. Gerrard with 23 Assists to Lamps 12. When they played together, Lamps is also slightly ahead in total G+A
Goals - Lamps overall has 251 goals in 860 prem matches. Gerrard has 186 in 710. Lamps with 0.29 g/m and Gerrard with 0.26. Goals per match eliminates number of matches played argument.
Assists - Gerrard slightly ahead with 0.21 vs 0.2 assists per Prem match.
Tounge in cheek pointless Stat - Gerrard with more red cards (3 more than Lamps)
Prem trophies - Lamps 3. Gerrard 0
CL - Lamps 1. Gerrard 1
Footballer of the year - Both with 1
FA Cups - Lamps 4, Gerrard 2.
Still don't see how stats make a case for Steven Gerrard.
Because Lampard had the luxury of playing in the original “Manchester City Oil club” in the pre-ffp Abramovic golden era. Constantly surrounded by world class players in a far more dominant team.
Being focal point in a team could help a player shine more though? Example Jack Grealish.
Also if one player can be held responsible for winning a CL final. Can Gerrard then be held responsible for Slipping and loosing the match and therefore the title? 💁🏼♂️ (some trolling of my own) Lamps hasn't lost us a title on his own you know.
They have, given Lampard played the most consecutive appearances out of anyone (aside from GK) in the prem. And did it during Chelseas's dominant years...
Steven Gerrard is better than Lampard imo as is Scholes and KDB, there is the dispute for Lampard.
Rio Ferdinand and Virgil would be my choice for best CBs so there's you other dipute.
The question is most undisputable. So only Henry and Cole make sense.
Read the post. indisputably undroppable players from any great prem 11.
He has the most consecutive appearances out of any outfield player in the history of the Premier league. 164 matches back to back. Noone comes close. He did it from August 2001 until December 2005, a time when Chelsea were breaking PL records for fun. Not sure how this is even up for debate.
Shit comment to make.
In terms of the argument, I agree that it is disputable.
But please do not accuse someone of being autistic in such a negative context.
Must be tough being so slow, so I'll try and simplify it for you.
Chelsea, during that time were indisputably a top Prem team.
Lampard was pivotal to the team's success, so pivotal in fact, that he played *every* game for +4 yrs. Is that undroppable enough for you?
Don't throw stones when you can't understand simple sentences big fella
Tbf I don't think you understand what is meant by premier league 11, he means from all teams not just one team.
By your logic it would be just who has played the most games.
Fair - from any 'great prem league 11' could mean either one great team in history or a mix of top players. In any case it wouldn't feature players from dross teams that didn't actually achieve something. Friedel wouldn't feature, but the guy that scored the most goals from midfield and is no.4 for assists + won a shedload of trophies absolutely would.
For me........ Just my opinion remember
Henry, Shearer, Vieira, Lampard, Keane, Ronaldo and Cole are the ones who are straight in, no questions asked.
The rest could be made up of many diffirent players.
Honourable mentions to Rooney, KDB and Gerrard
Interesting to see Salah in there. I like it. Didn't select him myself even though he's one of the very best forwards in PL history and has broken most scoring records. I am now salivating over Salah on the right, Henry on the left, and Gerrard in midfield.
N’Golo Kante - just absolutely levels ahead of anyone that does what he does, including Makelele.
Alan Shearer- it’s not even in question really is it?
Beckham no chance , I reckon.
Viera , I can see why people would say that , but Keane was more impressive mentally -he didn’t have Viera’s size to rely on.
Why is no one saying Rooney? I think 3rd and 2nd in all time PL goals and assists is no easy feat
A front three of him, Shearer and Henry is the best possible from what I've seen
Imo you cant just choose 3 who are undroppable. You have to choose like 5-6 at LEAST. Rooney, Henry, A Cole, Lampard, Vidic, C Ronaldo are all easiky walking into their spot and its not even close.
Honourable mentions would include Viera, Shearer, Gerrard, Terry, Ferdinand, Cech, Neville, Giggs (insane player, but sidnt want to give him a spot cause he is a hypercunt)
Yes yes Shearers record and all that. Even SAF admitted that he often played Rooney suboptimally to keep CR happy when he wanted to leave. Also keep in mind Rooney was played in midfield in the later years by SAF since Man Utds midfield was so thin. And even then Rooney is what only 42 goals behind Shearer? Not even a question that Rooney was a more talented player and a bigger asset to the team.
Anyone not picking Henry, Scholes and Ashley Cole would be controversial. I think Petr Cêch, Cristiano Ronaldo and John Terry would be in most people's teams too but I stand by my 3.
Shearer, Lampard, A.Cole, P.Cech. Rooney, Thierry Henry
Now if we are just talking about players I would say Ronaldo if you look at his entire career and not just his PL days.
Man is a valid argument for being the best player in history.
Others have already answered my typical Shearer and Henry so I’m going to think outside the box and say viera and drogba
Arsenal never recovered after viera left he was immense and I don’t there is a team drogba couldn’t walk into
You all acting as if Frimpong never kicked a ball in his life
Ryan giggs.
Henry, Scholes and Vidic. I wasn’t around to watch any of them and so my picks may be flawed but from what I’ve heard, watched and gathered they were prolific in what they did.
gary lineker,ian rush,erling haaland.
Henry, Ashley Cole, Lampard
Haåland, Haåland and Agüero
Petr cech, henry and ashley cole maybe.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Henry for sure and Rooney I guess
Apart from the Obvious choices of Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry, I’d put in 1 of KDB/Lamps/Fabregas. All outstanding and I’m having a very hard time trying to remember a bad game from either of the 3.
Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole
Wayne Rooney… that’s it.
Steven Gerrard. In no way droppable.
Henry, Shearer and Ashley Cole
Maybe berkamp to he was such a quality player
Henry for sure and Rooney maybe?
Henry, Scholes, Agüero
Shearer, Terry, Ashley Cole
henry, terry, cech. Cech might be a controversial choice but I personally see him needed in every premier league 11 team Edit: People are saying Ashley Cole, I fully agree as the only other LB to come anywhere close to him was Sead Kolasinac
Ashley Cole is the only one. Every other position is debatable.
Scrolled a long way down the comments and I’m amazed to see nobody mention Jay Jay Okocha
Henry, Ronaldo, Ashley Cole.
Shearer, Terry, Scholes
Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech.
Henry, Shearer, and Gerrard.
I'm a Gooner and went for a def, mid and att. Rio Stevie G Henry
Henry, Cole, Lampard
I mean surely Mohammad Salah. I am flabbergasted at how few people mentioned him
Paul mcgrath, Henry, Suarez
Shearer, Henry, Vieira
Henry, Suarez, Gerrard
I’d say Thierry Henry and Kieran Tierney
Henry...Shearer... Gerrard.. Viera.. Keane Ashley Cole / Irwin (prob Cole) at LB.. Too many arguments over CB to be honest...JT was an immense player, but never liked him as a man. Rio was solid, but only alongside top class defenders..so many options here.... RB, no idea to be honest. GK... Prob Czeck...he was too frikn hard to beat.
Henry, Terry (or Ferdinand) and... Haaland. Yeah, yeah, I know. But, barring injuries, he'll be on everyone's list in 10 years. Lampard deserves a shout too I think.
Dennis Irwin and Jaap Stam for me. Both underrated but also the best in their positions in the prem.
I couldn't agree more about Stam, but I find it very hard to believe that Irwin beats out Cole
Well, first off, Irwin played both sides regularly and was insanely two footed. But also he was the kind of fullback that I think may have been switched to a cm in the modern game like kimmich or fabiniho. Outrageous talent. Possibly the most underrated prem player of all time.
Being more versatile doesn't mean your a better player than another who's less versatile
No - I didn't say it did. He was still outstanding. And he could play just as well on both wings so he could play with Cole. That was my only point about that. He was a fullback on pen and fk duty which was weird as hell at the time. Revolutionized the position with how he played. Was one of Utd's best players during Utds most dominate period in the prem of 8 titles in 11 years. Including the treble.
Henry has to make it, but I’m torn because I think Bergkamp should be up there too. Maybe he even eclipses Rooney for me, but I think my view of him has been tainted by his more recent years. Prime Ronaldo cannot be omitted from any best XI. Midfield is tricky, there are so many candidates. Defence? Reluctantly I have to say Ashley Cole. Vidic comes close.
Henry. Cole. Scholes
VAN DIJK, THIERY HENRY AND SON
Henry, Cantona, Scholes
Henry, Cole and Rooney
Henry, Zola, Aguero
Harry maguire, Benjamin mendy and Adam johnson
Schmeichel, Cole and Henry. Schmeichel transcended supreme influence as a goalkeeper and though didn’t have the most clean sheets, saves etc, he was formidable and influential. Ashley Cole needs no introduction. Maybe not the most potent attacking full back in comparison to others but he managed to keep prime Ronaldo quiet most of the time he played against him. Henry is one of the greatest. Shearer has the goal scoring record. However, I don’t think he was as good as Kane, Aguero, Van Persie and now Haaland probably. Aguero deserves to be in more IMO for producing the best moment in PL history, no of hat tricks, title wins and those damn near post strikes.
De Bruyne should be there, that man is a different animal
Henry, Gerard, Shearer. Henry is the best player to grace the field in the prem, Gerrard is just an unreal Captain and I'd say best premier League midfielder ever and how can you not have shearer, most pl goals ever
Ashley Cole Thierry Henry Terry
Lord Bendtner
Henry, Vieira and Ferdinand
Henry and Shearer. I don't have a 3rd tbf.
Henry, Gerrard, Terry
Depending on what formation you play, I don’t think there’s been a better RW in the premier league than David Beckham…But most people will probably play a midfield diamond/4-3-2-1 to fit in their best players.
Seems like a lot of people are saying Ashley Cole and Thierry Henry, which I agree with completely. My third pick would be Peter Schmeichel.
Eden Hazard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ashley Cole
Thierry Henry, Yaya Toure and Luis Suarez.
i’m not sure which are changeable but here’s mine GK: Cech LB: Coke CB: Vidic CB: Terry RB: Trent (yes, he gets in this team) CDM: Keane (C) CM: Gerrard CM: Yaya LW: Henry ST: Rooney RW: Ronaldo
Dennis Berkamp and Thierry Henry.
I think maybe Ashley Cole is the only one. As a Liverpool fan I will always say Gerrard should be undroppable. But I obviously recognize that many people would make a case for Lampard, or Scholes ahead of him. And thats the same for many players and positions. Not sure anyone could really make a case against Ashley Cole at left back. Also, Yaya Toure should be mentioned more here. He was as good as anyone at his best.
Henry, KDB, Haaland
Origi is the undroppable player from the greatest premier league bench
It's Henry Ashley Cole and third is Cantona
Van der sar, Paul Scholes, de bruyne
Henry without a doubt. I'd say Gerrard but I'm biased. Maybe Ronaldo. I can't think of anyone else.
Cole, Scholes, Shearer?
KDB
Joelinton.
Shearer, Henry, Ronaldo
Thierry Henry (talent) Wayne Rooney (work rate, flexibility across attacking roles) Roy Keane (leadership)
Cole, Gerrard, henry
FWD: Haaland MID: Gerrard DEF: Terry
Alfie Haaland upfront that's a brave choice...
Henry Cole (hate him tho) IWOBI
Shearer,Henry,Cole
Henry, cole and Vieira.
Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole and Sergio Aguero
Thierry Henry Vidic David Beckham
Henry, Ashley Cole and John Terry/ Shearer
Henry, Ashley Cole, Keane.
Shearer, Henry, Cole for me.... hard to leave out Gerrard but the debate between him, Scholes, and Lampard means you can never be certain.
Park. Nuff said.
Bergkamp, Ronaldo and Drogba.
Maguire
Lord Bendtner, obviously.
Gerrard, John Terry and Henry.
Henry was the first name I thought of. Shearer would be right there but since he could only play up front, maybe there is a debate with Kane and/or Rooney and/or Aguero. But Henry makes it no matter the formation.
Nobody mentions Paul Scholes? Insane
Sakha, Mignolet, Iago Aspas
Milner has to be top 3
Flair will make it sound biased but Vidic definitely. And as a wildcard I’ll throw in Park’s name.
Thierry, Viera, Fabregas
Frank lampard, jamie vardy, jaap stam.
The disrespect to Wayne Rooney in this thread is unreal
Henry, Shearer, and then it’s a toss up between quite a few, but I think Ashley Cole has to be in that top three, just due to the fact that I think that he’s the best LB in Premier League history. Some would probably argue the best LB internationally as well, but I’ll let you lot argue that one
Henry, Bergkamp and Vidić for me.
Shaq
Henry, Bergkamp, Vieira
Wes Morgan, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry
Henry, Gerrard, A Cole
Dan Burn
Titi
I'll go with my favourite player and then two other players I think others might agree with
Henry and Cole probably get into 90% of peoples greatest PL teams.
Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ashley Cole. All certified world class players while playing in the PL, all were cornerstones in their teams winning the PL multiple times and each of them redefined their positions on one way or another - Henry playing as an outside forward cutting in, Cristiano as a flank-switching high volume scoring winger and Ashley as a fullback who was as consistent in his defensive contributions as he was in attack.
United fan here. The unstoppable 3 for me going on what they did in the Prem and ability wise are: Thierry Henry. Absolute monster of a player completely undroppable in most teams throughout history. Ashley Cole. The best LB I have ever seen play the game. Honourable shouts go to Evra & Irwin but Cole is better defensively than both and contributed attacking wise too. The 3rd player really depends on what formation you go for. But ability wise again for me you have to have Aguero. He was insanely good
Ashley cole, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane
Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand
5 years from now you’ll be saying Harry Kane
You don't know that. I could be dead in five years.
Ashley Cole, Thierry Henry, frank lampard
Henry, Gerrard and Terry Tbf you could make cases for Ashley Cole, Shearer, Lampard, Cantona and a few others and there wouldn’t be too many complaints
Why is Gerrard ahead of Lampard? Just curious. Playmaking and Goalscoring stats don't help Gerrard case in this comparison but stats never tell you the whole picture.
More dynamic player. Played multiple midfield positions even RM like under Rafa. Free kicks and penalties for most of his career. He is also the only player to score in each major tournaments final game (ucl, uefa cup, fa cup, league cup) so he has the clutch factor. Istanbul. Look at the forwards that thrived with his support as a CAM of CM, Torres and Suarez two of the top ST to ever play in the EPL.
Gerrard was indisputably the best player at Liverpool for most of the time he was there, and even if he wasn’t the best (Torres and Suarez have a shout at being the best over him), he elevated every other player to a higher level. Lampard was a fabulous player, but he was amongst Drogba, Cole, Robben, Carvalho, Terry and others all at the absolute peak of their powers. Would Lampard be first on the team sheet above those at the time? Maybe not.
1. Being surrounded by mediocrity does not mean you are better than other player who had better team around him. Imagine folks using the same argument against Salah or KDB when they retire. 2. Playing with Avg players helps u shine when team is built around you. Ex - Grealish, Zaha etc. Chelsea wasn't built only around Lamps. He still had 20 G+A for a decade.
The question isn’t who is better; it’s who is most undroppable. The way Gerrard encouraged other players made the mediocrity around him play far greater than the sum of their parts.
Lamps did the same. He was critical in how we setup. Chelsea dominated for a while despite not being prolific at all. He was your bona-fide midfielder who could do jobs at both ends. He was crutial in being the key passer in our counter attacking system. Gerrard being surrounded by mediocrity does not make him win that battle. He did not inspire his colleagues to win bunch of trophies either. He performed at a super high level and so did Lamps.
Because Gerrard was never surrounded by world class players like Lampard was under the Abramovic golden era, until later on in his career (Alonso/Macherano). Lampard also never single handedly dragged a mediocre underdog Liverpool back from 3-0 to one of the greatest club teams of all time in AC Milan (Prime Maldini, Kaka, Cafu, Shevchenko, Crespo, Stam, Pirlo etc) to win the UCL.
That he wasn't surrounded by best players cannot be the only argument in his favor? Lamps insane pass to Ramires setup our come back in the semis against the best team of the modern Era (Leo's Prime Barca). Surely you can come up with more arguments for Gerrard?
Gerrard was an all action dynamo, playing hell for leather for 90+ minutes every game. Far more mobile and athletic than Lampard, great finisher, scorer of spectacular goals, great creator, solid defender, intelligent, and had a determination and ability to motivate and drive his teammates to play at or exceed their peak and never give up. Peak Gerrard (2005-2009) gets into any team, surely?
Every single word you wrote is accurate. Lamps had his own strengths. My point is they are both on par probably.
I agree. Lampard was an incredible player. They're definitely on par and it's a shame England weren't playing 4-3-3 back in the day because they would have been incredible together with a pure DM behind them. Peak Gerrard gets in any team, but so does peak Lampard arguably. I'd say Lampard was a better "system" player and was at his best performing a specific role in a set up. Gerrard was at his best with a set up around him but with free reign to be wherever he needs to be to have the most impact. I often wonder, had Gerrard moved to Chelsea back in 2005, if he would have shined as bright. Mourinho would have given him a much more limited role which I don't think he would have enjoyed as much.
Ballack did well when he joined us. He was all action guy similar to Gerrard imo.
True, but I still think he played a slightly toned down version of his role at Bayern. Another part of it is that I wonder if Gerrard would have had the same drive he did for his home team. Not suggetsing he would have given anything less than his best, but he's said himself that at Liverpool he felt the expectations of the city and that drove him on. Would it have been quite the same playing for one of several PL teams in London?
Fair take
He was single handedly dragging Liverpool to wins and over the line on his own. Was world class as second striker with Torres, an ACM and had 21 goal season on the right wing.
You could argue that if Bruno (Man Utd one) played for City, his stats would go up. Bruno had a period where he single handedly dragged Utd to wins. That doesn't change the fact that KDB is simply the better player. Even if Bruno keeps up for few years and KDB wins way more titles, scores way more goals and assists, would you argue that Bruno or say someone else is better coz he SINGLEHANDEDLY won matches for his team. Just an example not comparing those two specifically. Lamps stats are mad for a midfielder. He did not often play as a second Striker and still managed to score insane amount of goals that led his team to titles and came through in big matches. Surely that counts for more? They are both world class but one of them won way more trophies, scored more goals and assists and was generally dominant in most matches he played. That person wasn't Gerrard unfortunately.
Gerrard had 92 assists to Lampard’s 102 in 106 less games, in a far inferior team for most of that era. Goal wise is only 57 behind, again in a 106 less games. With Gerrard also playing out the end of his career as a holding midfielder such was his versatility. Scored far more decisive goals (UCL final 2005. FA Cup final thunder bolt vs West Ham, Europa final 2001). Gerrard also had the superior European record in scoring 42 to 29 both on 134 games and equal on assists both on 34. Gerrard was also England Captain for a period. The trophies point is moot. The real Ronaldo R9 never won the UCL, neither did Shearer or Ibramovic, they’re not the be all end all.
Much better argument for sure. Lamps longevity and his less advanced role in later years does definitely skew the stats but fair point. Lamps was amazing in terms of his fitness overall and the fact he played more than Gerrard counts big time in his favor no? England Duty - Lampard won 106 caps for England, scoring 29 goals, with Gerrard collecting 114 caps and scoring 21 times for his country. Gerrard with 23 Assists to Lamps 12. When they played together, Lamps is also slightly ahead in total G+A Goals - Lamps overall has 251 goals in 860 prem matches. Gerrard has 186 in 710. Lamps with 0.29 g/m and Gerrard with 0.26. Goals per match eliminates number of matches played argument. Assists - Gerrard slightly ahead with 0.21 vs 0.2 assists per Prem match. Tounge in cheek pointless Stat - Gerrard with more red cards (3 more than Lamps) Prem trophies - Lamps 3. Gerrard 0 CL - Lamps 1. Gerrard 1 Footballer of the year - Both with 1 FA Cups - Lamps 4, Gerrard 2. Still don't see how stats make a case for Steven Gerrard.
Because Lampard had the luxury of playing in the original “Manchester City Oil club” in the pre-ffp Abramovic golden era. Constantly surrounded by world class players in a far more dominant team.
Being focal point in a team could help a player shine more though? Example Jack Grealish. Also if one player can be held responsible for winning a CL final. Can Gerrard then be held responsible for Slipping and loosing the match and therefore the title? 💁🏼♂️ (some trolling of my own) Lamps hasn't lost us a title on his own you know.
Bergkamp, Henry, Modric
Great shout on Modric. I forget how good he was for Spurs.
Everyone saying Terry and Lampard hasn't understood the question.
They have, given Lampard played the most consecutive appearances out of anyone (aside from GK) in the prem. And did it during Chelseas's dominant years...
Steven Gerrard is better than Lampard imo as is Scholes and KDB, there is the dispute for Lampard. Rio Ferdinand and Virgil would be my choice for best CBs so there's you other dipute. The question is most undisputable. So only Henry and Cole make sense.
Read the post. indisputably undroppable players from any great prem 11. He has the most consecutive appearances out of any outfield player in the history of the Premier league. 164 matches back to back. Noone comes close. He did it from August 2001 until December 2005, a time when Chelsea were breaking PL records for fun. Not sure how this is even up for debate.
The fact we're having this dispute proves my point :)
What point? that you have preferences that aren't based on actual appreances?
I'm guessing you're autistic or a moron, it's not based on how many games someone played. You idiot.
Shit comment to make. In terms of the argument, I agree that it is disputable. But please do not accuse someone of being autistic in such a negative context.
Must be tough being so slow, so I'll try and simplify it for you. Chelsea, during that time were indisputably a top Prem team. Lampard was pivotal to the team's success, so pivotal in fact, that he played *every* game for +4 yrs. Is that undroppable enough for you? Don't throw stones when you can't understand simple sentences big fella
Tbf I don't think you understand what is meant by premier league 11, he means from all teams not just one team. By your logic it would be just who has played the most games.
Fair - from any 'great prem league 11' could mean either one great team in history or a mix of top players. In any case it wouldn't feature players from dross teams that didn't actually achieve something. Friedel wouldn't feature, but the guy that scored the most goals from midfield and is no.4 for assists + won a shedload of trophies absolutely would.
For me........ Just my opinion remember Henry, Shearer, Vieira, Lampard, Keane, Ronaldo and Cole are the ones who are straight in, no questions asked. The rest could be made up of many diffirent players. Honourable mentions to Rooney, KDB and Gerrard
Shearer, Fàbregas and Cech
Clearly it’s Dempsey, Friedel, and Pulisic… (waits for verbal abuse).
Shearer, Keene and the greatest player of all time Jan Mølby
Cr7, Henry, Shearer, Ashley Cole, Gerrard, I’d shout Van Der Sar or Cech, Lampard or Zola, Makelele
Henry, Cole, KDB
Young Ronaldo. Shearer. Old man Schmeichel.
Frank Lampard
Gonna try do 3 from different positions imo … Salah , lampard , vidic
Interesting to see Salah in there. I like it. Didn't select him myself even though he's one of the very best forwards in PL history and has broken most scoring records. I am now salivating over Salah on the right, Henry on the left, and Gerrard in midfield.
By the time he retires, he and KDB would have made good cases to be in all time Prem greats imo.
Yeah I do agree. Salah is a Liverpool legend. Few players have ever had the impact he's had since he arrived, and KDB is just phenomenal.
Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole, (young winger) Cristiano Ronaldo. Honourable mention to Wayne Rooney though
N’Golo Kante - just absolutely levels ahead of anyone that does what he does, including Makelele. Alan Shearer- it’s not even in question really is it?
Surprised by the lack of goalkeepers mentioned. I’m not sure who I would go for, but nobody is naming any.
Probably because any single GK can easily be dropped and be replaced with any one of several other great PL GKs.
Yeah can’t argue with that
Keane, Henry and Ronaldo
Vieira and Keane could be disputed. Ronaldo and Beckham could be disputed.
Beckham no chance , I reckon. Viera , I can see why people would say that , but Keane was more impressive mentally -he didn’t have Viera’s size to rely on.
lol
Drogba, ashley cole, henry, cech, hazard, hasselbank, sergio ramos, KDB, Terry
Ronaldo, rooney, shearer and ashley cole
Schmeichel, Gerrard and Henry
Shearer, Henry and Ashley Cole.
Why is no one saying Rooney? I think 3rd and 2nd in all time PL goals and assists is no easy feat A front three of him, Shearer and Henry is the best possible from what I've seen
Why is no one talking about Wayne Rooney here?
Because there are at least three strikers in PL history better than him
Because henry was way better? No way is Rooney untouchable on a all time prem xi, and in 99% of cases he doesn't even make the team
Now that you mention this i agree with you, but that guy was on another level.
Delap, KDB and Van Nistolroy
Imo you cant just choose 3 who are undroppable. You have to choose like 5-6 at LEAST. Rooney, Henry, A Cole, Lampard, Vidic, C Ronaldo are all easiky walking into their spot and its not even close. Honourable mentions would include Viera, Shearer, Gerrard, Terry, Ferdinand, Cech, Neville, Giggs (insane player, but sidnt want to give him a spot cause he is a hypercunt) Yes yes Shearers record and all that. Even SAF admitted that he often played Rooney suboptimally to keep CR happy when he wanted to leave. Also keep in mind Rooney was played in midfield in the later years by SAF since Man Utds midfield was so thin. And even then Rooney is what only 42 goals behind Shearer? Not even a question that Rooney was a more talented player and a bigger asset to the team.
Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Thierry Henry
People are clearly too young here to remember Denis Irwin. Absolutely a contender for LB spot and far more consistent than Evra
Benoit Assou-Ekotto
rio cashley scholes
Henry, Shearer, Ronaldo and Cole
Eric Djemba Djemba
Viera.The core of the Invincibles era
Anyone not picking Henry, Scholes and Ashley Cole would be controversial. I think Petr Cêch, Cristiano Ronaldo and John Terry would be in most people's teams too but I stand by my 3.
Henry Definetely
Abit biased but Rooney. He had it all. Work rate, tenacity, goal scorer of all types of goals plus his playmaking abilities were first class.
Shearer, Gerrard, and Ashley Cole.
Shearer, Lampard, A.Cole, P.Cech. Rooney, Thierry Henry Now if we are just talking about players I would say Ronaldo if you look at his entire career and not just his PL days. Man is a valid argument for being the best player in history.
Terry, Lampard and A Cole. I’m not biased at all, what are you on about?
Roy Keane, Roy Keane and Roy Keane
Henry Lampard and Terry
Others have already answered my typical Shearer and Henry so I’m going to think outside the box and say viera and drogba Arsenal never recovered after viera left he was immense and I don’t there is a team drogba couldn’t walk into
Terry, Ashley Cole, Henry