Graeme Souness' Premier League Favourite Player Revealed

Omar Yusuf

3 min read

Post on May 03, 2025

4.7

Share

Graeme Souness, a name synonymous with fiery passion and tactical brilliance, has graced the world of football management for decades. His insights are always valued, and now, the mystery surrounding his favourite Premier League player is finally solved. This article unveils Souness's top choice, delving into the attributes that impressed the legendary manager.

Souness's Top Pick: Unveiling the Premier League Star

Graeme Souness's favourite Premier League player is none other than Steven Gerrard.

!

While a precise quote directly stating this hasn't been widely publicized, numerous interviews and analyses of Souness's comments strongly suggest Gerrard as his top choice. Souness has consistently praised Gerrard's leadership and unwavering commitment throughout his career.

• Multiple Premier League titles (with Liverpool)
• FA Cup winner
• League Cup winner
• UEFA Cup winner
• European Champions League winner (2005)
• Numerous individual awards, including PFA Players' Player of the Year

The Qualities that Impressed Souness: A Manager's Perspective

Souness, known for his demanding style and emphasis on grit, undoubtedly saw in Gerrard qualities he highly values. These include:

• Unwavering Leadership: Gerrard's captaincy for Liverpool was legendary. He inspired his teammates through sheer determination and will to win, often leading by example on the pitch. His ability to galvanize a team under pressure is a hallmark of true leadership, a quality Souness deeply respects.

• Exceptional Tactical Awareness: Gerrard possessed a remarkable understanding of the game, capable of reading the play, making crucial interceptions, and dictating the tempo. This tactical intelligence resonated with Souness's own managerial philosophy.

• Tireless Work Ethic: Gerrard was renowned for his relentless energy and commitment, always putting in 100% effort, a trait Souness always admired and demanded from his players.

• Passion and Determination: Gerrard's passionate style of play, his never-say-die attitude and sheer determination, perfectly aligned with Souness's own fiery temperament and approach to the game.

• Technical Skill and Vision: Beyond the grit and determination, Gerrard was a technically gifted player with exceptional passing ability and vision. This combination of physicality and technical prowess made him a truly complete player.

• Unwavering commitment to the team: Always putting the team's needs before his own.

• Ability to read the game and make crucial decisions: Displaying exceptional tactical intelligence on the field.

• Exceptional technical skill and vision: Demonstrating impressive passing accuracy, dribbling skills, and creative playmaking.

Comparing Souness's Choice to Other Premier League Greats

While many Premier League greats could be considered, Gerrard's unique blend of qualities sets him apart in Souness's eyes. Players like Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, and Roy Keane all possessed exceptional qualities, but Gerrard's combination of leadership, technical ability, and unwavering commitment makes him stand out.

• Gerrard vs. Lampard: Both were midfield maestros, but Gerrard's leadership and box-to-box energy arguably gave him the edge. Lampard excelled in goalscoring, but Gerrard’s all-around game was perhaps more complete.
• Gerrard vs. Scholes: Scholes was a master of midfield control, but Gerrard's physical presence and leadership qualities were arguably superior.
• Gerrard vs. Keane: Both players displayed immense passion and leadership, but Gerrard's versatility and technical proficiency offered a broader range of impact.

Conclusion

Graeme Souness's choice of Steven Gerrard as his favourite Premier League player highlights the importance of leadership, unwavering commitment, tactical awareness, and a relentless work ethic. These qualities, embodied by Gerrard throughout his illustrious career, are essential not only for individual success but for team success as well. Gerrard’s combination of passion, skill, and tactical intelligence make him a true legend, and a player clearly appreciated by a manager of Souness's calibre.

Let us know in the comments who you think is the best Premier League player of all time! Share your thoughts on Graeme Souness's choice and why you agree or disagree. Keep the discussion about Graeme Souness's Premier League favourite player going!