While Kevin De Bruyne has been nothing short of phenomenal for Manchester City, claiming he is the best midfielder in Premier League history may not do justice to the legends who have graced the league before him. Football, being a sport rich with history and talent, has seen many midfield maestros leave an indelible mark on the Premier League.

Firstly, we must consider players like Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard. These players have not only delivered consistent top-tier performances but have also exhibited leadership and influence that transcended their immediate impact on the pitch. Scholes was known for his vision and technique; Gerrard for his all-round abilities and heroic moments; Lampard for his uncanny ability to score goals from midfield. Each of them was the heartbeat of their respective teams for over a decade.

Moreover, the debate must acknowledge the different roles within midfield itself. Claude Makélélé redefined the defensive midfield position and became so influential that the role is often referred to as the ‘Makélélé role’. Patrick Vieira’s combination of physical prowess and technical skills drove Arsenal’s invincibles to an unbeaten season—a feat yet unmatched.

In terms of pure talent and technical ability, few could argue against the influence of French magician Zinedine Zidane during his time at Blackburn Rovers, or even Cesc Fàbregas during his spell at Arsenal where he dictated play with elegance and intelligence beyond his years.

Trophies are yet another yardstick by which greatness can be measured. While De Bruyne has won multiple Premier League titles, others have amassed personal accolades as well – with Lampard being Chelsea’s all-time top scorer, an outstanding achievement for a midfielder.

Furthermore, longevity and consistency are factors that cannot be overlooked. Ryan Giggs transformed from a flying winger to a central midfielder who continued to perform at the highest level well into his late 30s.

The debate thus becomes subjective – some value goals scored, others look at assists, while many would rate influence on their team’s style and success as paramount. A fan of intricacy on the ball may favour David Silva; supporters of relentless work ethic may look to Roy Keane; aficionados of tactical brilliance might cite N’Golo Kanté.

Hence, while Kevin De Bruyne is undoubtedly one of the premier talents in today’s game, with a fantastic range of passing and an impressive knack for scoring goals, claiming he is the all-time best would discount the diverse contributions made by other legendary figures within England’s top flight over its illustrious history. The joy of such debates lies in their subjectivity—every fan cherishes unique memories that shape their view on who stands tallest among the titans who have patrolled Premier League midfields.