Keane, Vieira, Makelele, Parker or Mascherano: Who has been the greatest defensive midfielder in the Premier League?

Some of the best midfielders in the world have graced the Premier League over the past 20 years but who has been the best defensive midfielder the top flight in England has ever seen in that period?

Manchester United's Roy Keane was an absolute beast of a player. He had it all, but then so did Arsenal's Patrick Vieira and what about Chelsea's Claude Makelele, Tottenham's Scott Parker or Liverpool's Javier Mascherano? All five of those excelled in their areas of the pitch, but, as we continue our search to build the ultimate Premier League squad, we need your views.

Steve Coulter has handpicked the aforementioned contenders for the throne and has some info on them all which may swing your vote. Whatever your view, we'd love to hear from you.

ROY KEANE

The ultimate captain fantastic, Roy Keane inspired Manchester United to a decade of dominance. His biting tackles were matched by a hatred of losing. In many ways Keane was a mirror image of Sir Alex Ferguson. The Irishman was the manager on the pitch, urging his team-mates to make the supreme effort. On several occasions he openly questioned the attitude and ability of team-mates.

But no-one could question Keane’s commitment to the Old Trafford cause. He covered every blade of grass and would never give opposition time on the ball.  These challenges sometimes created controversy, most notably his long-running spat with Alfe Inge Haaland. The feud dates back to a 1997 clash between Leeds United and Manchester United. Keane broke his leg when challenging the Norwegian. As the United skipper lay on the ground, it is alleged that Haaland accused Keane of feigning injury.

The Cork-born midfielder extracted his revenge four years later. A late tackle in a Manchester derby resulted with Haaland breaking his leg.

I must admit I had second thoughts about placing Keane in this category. He was an excellent all round player who could contribute going forward. A fine passer of the ball, the United skipper loved making surging runs into box. Often these attacking thrusts would be completed with a composed finish. Roy Keane was no one trick pony. 

PATRICK VIEIRA

The same could be said of Keane’s Arsenal counterpart, the Gunners captain also led by example. The Frenchman’s duels with Keane were the stuff of legend. Even the sight of the pair leading their sides out sent a shiver down the spine. 

A fantastic physical specimen, Vieira ruled the midfield with his imposing presence. His tackles were industrial and Vieira was a throwback to the days of Bremner and Souness. A great midfielder with an edge. 

Like Souness the Arsenal captain had an explosive shot, I remember one blockbuster against Newcastle United. In addition his vision and crisp passing created goals. Vieira gave backbone to a team laden with talent. Leading from the front, Patrick Viera was a winner. Arsene Wenger must wish he was still around.

CLAUDE MAKELELE

In contrast to the other nominees, Claude Makelele was a true defensive midfielder. His visits to the scoresheet were  as frequent as a sighting of Haley’s Comet. His goal against Charlton in 2005 was greeted with unconfined joy. Jose Mourinho and the Chelsea fans could not believe what they were witnessing.

But every successful side needs to stop the opposition playing. It is a dirty job but someone has got to do it. The Chelsea man was a master in this field. His role was to break up attacks and then give the ball to Frank Lampard.

Claude seldom ventured over the half way line. He was the insurance policy who gave the playmakers licence to play. Makelele was very good at his job and had a massive influence over the game. 

He even had the position renamed in his honour - even the legendary Pele can not match that claim to fame.

SCOTT PARKER

The Tottenham midfielder is again proving his worth. His interceptions and constructive passing have given Spurs an extra dimension. 

His whole hearted attitude strikes a chord with the fans, Parker’s drive on the pitch echoes the passion in the stands. His challenges can liven up the dullest of games. He is quite useful whilst in possession too with accurate distribution and thrusting forward runs providing a constant threat. Throw in a sledgehammer of a shot and you have a fantastic midfield player.

JAVIER MASCHERANO

The Argentine was at the heartbeat of the Liverpool midfield. The supreme ball winner complemented the artistry of Alonso and Gerrard. 

Mascherano was a no frills performer who wore his heart on his sleeve. As a consequence his disciplinary record was far from perfect. He was a frequent visitor to the book and was sent off on several occasions, but every defensive midfielder risks an early bath, it is regarded as an occupational hazard.

The majority of his tackles were well timed and disrupted the opponents rhythm. He was also a tidy performer in the attacking third, scoring some memorable goals.

So who do you think was the best defensive midfield the Premier League has seen over the past 20 years? Whatever your view we'd love to hear from you.

Next week Steve will be trying to find the best attacking midfielder for the team.