Top 5 West Ham Midfielders In The Premier League Era – Including Former Chelsea & Man City Stars

West Ham United have had a mixed history in the Premier League. There have been ups and downs, for sure – but today, we’ll be looking at five of the best midfielders that the Hammers have had during this timeframe.

We’ve added a host of talented players in this list, both past and present. Some were only at the club for a couple of years – meanwhile, a certain inclusion spent his entire career at the club.

Do you agree with our picks? Did we miss anyone out who you think is deserving of recognition?

Scott Parker

Scott Parker was an unspectacular midfielder – he wasn’t known for jaw-dropping cross-field passes or powerful runs through the centre – but he was brilliant at keeping things ticking.

He was always available to receive a pass – from there, Parker would lay the ball off to his more creative teammates and continue to create space for them. He was the living embodiment of an ‘unsung hero’.

This was most evident when he left West Ham – the Hammers’ midfield virtually collapsed upon the former Newcastle man’s departure in 2011.

Declan Rice

The only current player on the list, Declan Rice probably could have occupied a much higher spot – however, his career is still in its relative infancy.

There is a reason so many clubs are vying for Rice’s signature. He is currently one of the best defensive midfielders in the world – he combines brilliant defensive acumen with line-splitting passes plus the ability to carry the ball upfield with lung-busting runs.

He was named captain of the Irons following the retirement of the next entry on our list.

Mark Noble

Some Hammers fans may feel aggrieved that Mark Noble hasn’t been given the top spot – it’s understandable, given what he means to the club, but we feel they’re are two more deserving midfielders ahead of him.

This isn’t to say that Noble was a bad player – far from it. His limitless engine, clever passing and ferocious tackling won him the hearts of West Ham fans across the country.

Noble is perhaps one of the most beloved players in the history of the club. A boyhood Hammers fan, he also spent time in Arsenal’s academy during his youth.

Dimitri Payet

Arguably one of the most technically proficient West Ham players of all time, Dimitri Payet wowed audiences for two years at the club.

He may not have been the longest-serving player on this list – but he might be the most naturally talented. His set pieces were the stuff of legend, as was his dribbling ability.

In total, Payet made just 48 appearances for the Hammers – has any West Ham player ever made such a lasting impression in such a short amount of time? His free-kicks are still legendary in many Hammers’ fans minds.

Frank Lampard

One of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history, Frank Lampard certainly merits his spot at the top of this illustrious list.

Before reaching international acclaim with Chelsea, Lampard cut his teeth at West Ham – he wasn’t the player he would become at this stage, but still displayed frequent flashes of brilliance.

Lampard had everything you could ever wish for in an attacking midfielder. His control over the ball, as well as his unrivaled goal-scoring numbers from midfield and passing ability, made him a formidable force.