Rio Ferdinand believes Kevin De Bruyne is already among the Premier League's greatest-ever midfielders after he matched Steven Gerrard's assists tally in 287 fewer games... as he says the Belgian would be able to get the better of Vieira or Scholes

Daily Mail | September 21, 2022

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne could hold his own playing in or against any midfield in the Premier League era.

The Belgian equalled Steven Gerrard's Premier League assists total when City won 3-0 at Wolves on Saturday, setting up his 91st and 92nd goals in the competition.

But, remarkably, De Bruyne has matched the record in 287 games fewer than Gerrard did for Liverpool.

Kevin De Bruyne has been hailed as one of the Premier League's greatest-ever midfielders

Rio Ferdinand believes De Bruyne is already up there with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard (left) and Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard (right) - seen together playing for England

Ferdinand discussed the great Premier League midfielders after De Bruyne matched Gerrard's tally of 92 assists in the competition at the weekend

He still has some way to go to match the Premier League record of 162 by Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, with the likes of David Silva, Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas next in his sights.