'He's the best' - James Maddison ranks Steven Gerrard ahead of Paul Scholes & Frank Lampard as Tottenham star names Premier League's greatest midfielder

Since the inception of the Premier League, several legends of the game have graced the competition. From Manchester United legends Scholes and Ryan Giggs, Liverpool's Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, Chelsea's Lampard and Claude Makelele to contemporary greats like Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne - the English top flight has been the home to world-class midfielders.

To pick the ultimate Premier League midfielder is a daunting task and often one's choice is eclipsed by fandom and loyalty towards a particular club. However, Maddison took little time to pick his favourite among Luka Modric, Gerrard, De Bruyne and Lampard.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Maddison explained his choice and said: "I'm going to go for Steven Gerrard. Yeah, the ultimate midfielder and he literally was the ultimate midfielder, he could do everything."

However, Maddison believes De Bruyne would surpass Gerrad once he hangs up his boots.

"The only thing, because he's still playing now, Kevin de Bruyne. I think when he's finished and when we look back, I think he's going to be number one," he said. "What he can do with the ball is just like ridiculous."

De Bruyne has 69 goals and 115 assists in 263 Premier League appearances so far. He is still lagging a bit behind Gerrard as the former Liverpool player boasts of 121 strikes, albeit in 504 appearances. However, the Belgian is well ahead in the assist count as Gerrard managed to set up just 63 times while he was at Merseyside.

Maddison will be in action on Sunday in the North London derby against Arsenal, whereas De Bruyne will take the Etihad pitch on Saturday afternoon against Brentford.