Manchester City’s rise from mid-table mediocrity to global footballing giants is one of the most dramatic transformations in football history. The club, founded in 1880, spent much of its history in the shadow of their cross-town rivals Manchester United. However, that all changed when the Abu Dhabi United Group, led by Sheikh Mansour, took over the club in 2008.
With significant financial backing, City was able to attract world-class talent such as Yaya Touré, Sergio Agüero, and David Silva. Under Roberto Mancini, City won their first Premier League title in 2012 in a dramatic final-day victory, with Agüero scoring one of the most famous goals in football history.
The arrival of Pep Guardiola in 2016 elevated City to new heights. Guardiola’s tactical genius, combined with City’s financial muscle, helped the club dominate English football, winning multiple Premier League titles and breaking numerous records, including the most points in a season (100) in 2017-18. City’s evolution from a struggling club to a global powerhouse has reshaped the landscape of English football.
Frank Lampard: The Premier League’s Midfield Maestro
Frank Lampard is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in Premier League history. His career, primarily at Chelsea, saw him become the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer—a remarkable feat for a midfielder. Known for his intelligence, work ethic, and eye for goal, Lampard was a complete midfielder who could defend, create, and score.
Lampard’s consistency was one of his greatest attributes. He regularly scored double-digit goals in the Premier League, making him a constant threat from midfield. His partnership with Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, and John Terry helped Chelsea dominate English football during the 2000s, winning three Premier League titles and numerous domestic cups.
Lampard’s crowning achievement came in 2012, when Chelsea won their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. His leadership, alongside other Chelsea legends, was crucial in their victory. After retiring, Lampard moved into management, including a stint as Chelsea’s head coach, where he helped develop young talents. His legacy as one of the best goal-scoring midfielders in football history is unquestionable.
The Rebirth of Liverpool FC Under Jürgen Klopp
Jürgen Klopp’s arrival at Liverpool in 2015 signaled the beginning of a new era for the club. Liverpool, once the dominant force in English football, had struggled to recapture their former glory in the Premier League era. Klopp, with his “gegenpressing” philosophy, brought energy, passion, and a clear vision to Anfield.
Klopp’s style of high-intensity pressing and counter-attacking football was a perfect fit for Liverpool, and under his guidance, the club has experienced a renaissance. In 2019, Liverpool won their sixth UEFA Champions League title, defeating Tottenham Hotspur in the final. A year later, Klopp ended Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a league title, guiding them to their first-ever Premier League crown in 2020.
Players like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Virgil van Dijk have thrived under Klopp’s system, becoming world-class talents. Klopp’s impact on Liverpool has not just been about trophies; he has revitalized the club’s identity, bringing the famous Anfield atmosphere back to life and restoring Liverpool’s place among Europe’s elite.
The Magic of Paul Scholes: Manchester United’s Midfield Magician
Paul Scholes is often regarded as one of the finest passers of the ball in football history. A product of Manchester United’s famous Class of ’92, Scholes spent his entire career at Old Trafford, where he became an integral part of the club’s dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes’ vision, technique, and range of passing were unrivaled. His ability to dictate the tempo of a match and pick out a perfect pass made him one of the most influential midfielders of his generation. Despite his small stature, Scholes was tough, competitive, and known for his fierce tackling.
With Manchester United, Scholes won 11 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions League trophies. His consistency and loyalty to United earned him widespread admiration from teammates, opponents, and fans alike. After his retirement, Scholes was lauded by fellow football legends such as Xavi and Zinedine Zidane, who both considered him one of the best midfielders they had ever faced.