Roy Keane was never known for self-doubt during his playing days. The former Manchester United captain led with intensity, discipline, and unrelenting standards. On the pitch, he was a warrior — one who demanded excellence not just from his teammates but from himself. Yet, in more recent years as a pundit, Keane has surprised many by showing a more reflective side.
In a 2020 interview with the Irish Independent, Keane openly admitted that three fellow British midfielders — Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard — were “way better” footballers than him. Coming from a player as competitive as Keane, the statement stood out. His candour offers valuable insight into the qualities he admired in his peers, and his perspective adds depth to the ongoing debate over the Premier League’s greatest midfielders.
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The Icons Keane Rated Higher
In that candid interview, Keane listed three midfielders he believed surpassed him in ability: Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard. These weren’t just any players — they were icons who defined the modern era of English football. Their inclusion speaks volumes about the standards Keane respected most.
Each player brought something different to the pitch. Scholes was the technician, Gerrard the complete engine, and Lampard the goal-scoring mastermind. For a leader like Keane — who won seven Premier League titles and captained one of the most successful sides in football history — to elevate these men above himself reflects deep appreciation for their unique strengths.
Such praise, especially coming from someone so famously self-assured during his playing career, adds weight to the long-running comparisons between these legends.
Scholes – The Ultimate Partner and Silent Maestro
Among all the players Keane lined up with, Paul Scholes held a special place. Their partnership in Manchester United’s midfield was based on mutual understanding and balance. Keane often described their dynamic as seamless — when Scholes surged forward, Keane stayed back, and vice versa.
In a 2019 interview with Sky Sports, Keane named Scholes his ideal midfield partner. More notably, he called him “way better” as a player — a sentiment rarely heard from the fiercely proud Irishman. Scholes’s intelligence, timing, and understated brilliance often made him the quiet force in United’s success. He didn’t need to shout to control a match.
Keane’s admiration wasn’t based on friendship — it was born of trust on the field. That he highlighted Scholes as both a partner and a superior speaks volumes about the midfielder’s legacy.
Gerrard – The Engine That Powered Liverpool
Steven Gerrard’s inclusion on Keane’s list was no surprise to many. Gerrard was Liverpool’s heart and soul for over a decade, known for his power, vision, and clutch performances in high-stakes matches. He was the kind of player who could grab a game by the scruff of the neck and change its course.
Keane acknowledged Gerrard not only as a better footballer but as one who brought unique attributes to the midfield — a balance of aggression and finesse, leadership and flair. While their rivalry on the pitch was fierce, there was mutual respect between the two captains.
Gerrard’s range of passing, long-distance shooting, and relentless drive made him one of the most complete midfielders of his era. For Keane to openly admire those traits confirms how highly he regarded the Liverpool icon.
Lampard – The Goal-Scoring Machine
Frank Lampard’s name rounds out Keane’s list, and it’s easy to see why. With 177 goals in the Premier League, he remains the highest-scoring midfielder in the competition’s history — a record that speaks to his positioning, intelligence, and remarkable consistency.
Keane didn’t hesitate when asked if Lampard was better than him. In his view, the Chelsea legend’s ability to read the game and deliver in front of goal set him apart. Lampard may not have been the most physical or aggressive midfielder, but he compensated with sharp movement, tactical awareness, and timing that few could match.
Recognising Lampard’s excellence required no qualifiers. For Keane, it was simply fact — another example of how honest reflection often tells us more about the speaker than the subject.
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Conclusion
Roy Keane’s recognition of Scholes, Gerrard, and Lampard isn’t just a reflection of their brilliance — it’s a rare moment of humility from a player whose legacy is built on fearlessness. In praising others, he added another layer to his own story: a leader who understood greatness when he saw it.
These names — and the comparisons between them — will continue to fuel discussions for years to come. But Keane’s perspective reminds us that the mark of true greatness often lies in the ability to acknowledge excellence in others.
In football, as in life, the most compelling stories aren’t just about dominance. They’re about respect, honesty, and the evolving definition of what it means to be the best.
