WHO WAS BETTER? Steven Gerrard vs. Frank Lampard vs. Paul Scholes

The debate over who was the better player among Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, and Paul Scholes has been a topic of passionate discussion among football fans for years. These three midfield maestros defined an era in the English Premier League, each bringing a unique set of skills and qualities to the pitch.

Examining their careers, playing styles, and contributions can provide a clearer picture of what each brought to the beautiful game during what many consider as the golden era of the Barclays Premier League.

You can bet on this weekend’s UEFA Champions League Final here at Bet9ja!

Steven Gerrard: The Complete Midfielder

Steven Gerrard, a one-club man with Liverpool, is often hailed as the most complete midfielder of his generation. Known for his leadership, versatility, and ability to perform in crucial moments, Gerrard’s influence on the pitch was immense. His long-range shooting, tackling, and knack for scoring important goals—most famously in the 2005 Champions League Final—cement his legacy as a clutch performer.

Gerrard’s ability to play both as a defensive and attacking midfielder gave him an edge in versatility. He was not only a goal threat but also a stalwart in breaking up opposition play. His passion and loyalty to Liverpool endeared him to fans, and his ability to rally his team in difficult situations was second to none. Gerrard’s career tally includes two FA Cups, three League Cups, a UEFA Champions League, and numerous personal accolades. He never laid claim to an English Premier League title like the other two, but Liverpool’s teams were rarely on the same level as their competitors.

Frank Lampard: The Goal-Scoring Machine

Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer, was renowned for his incredible goal-scoring ability from midfield. His late runs into the box and precision in front of goal made him a unique threat. Lampard’s football intelligence and timing were exceptional, allowing him to consistently find the back of the net throughout his career.

Lampard’s work ethic and dedication to improving his game were evident in his performances. He scored over 20 goals in five consecutive seasons, a remarkable feat for a midfielder. His contributions were pivotal in Chelsea’s domestic and European successes, including three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League trophy.

Lampard’s passing range, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game were integral to Chelsea’s dominance in the 2000s. Another part of his game that can’t be discounted was his ability to pop up in clutch moments for Chelsea – multiple FA Cup and Champions League Final goals set his side on the course for victory.

Paul Scholes: The Midfield Maestro

Paul Scholes, the silent genius of Manchester United, is often described as a player’s player. His technical ability, vision, and passing accuracy were unparalleled. Scholes had the rare talent to dictate the flow of a game, making him the heartbeat of Sir Alex Ferguson’s United teams.

Scholes’ career was decorated with an array of trophies, including 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. His ability to find space and execute pinpoint passes made him a crucial component in United’s attacking play. Despite not being as prolific in front of goal as Lampard, Scholes’ contributions were more about creating opportunities and controlling the game’s rhythm.

Renowned for his humility and dedication to the game, Scholes’ influence on the pitch was immense, even if it often flew under the radar compared to his more flamboyant contemporaries.

The Verdict

Choosing between Gerrard, Lampard, and Scholes is no easy task, as each brought different strengths to their teams. Gerrard’s leadership and versatility, Lampard’s goal-scoring prowess, and Scholes’ technical brilliance each make compelling cases.

Many argue that Gerrard’s ability to single-handedly change games and his all-around skill set make him the standout. Others point to Lampard’s unmatched goal-scoring record and consistent excellence. Meanwhile, purists often favour Scholes for his footballing intelligence and technical mastery which might just be enough to get the overall vote.

Who is your favourite out of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes? Let us know here on our official Telegram channel or comment below!