Aston Villa Best Midfielders of All Time
Description:
Aston Villa have produced and attracted some of the most influential midfielders in English football.
From European Cup heroes like Gordon Cowans and Dennis Aston Villa Best Midfielders Mortimer to modern stars such as Jack Grealish and John McGinn, Villa’s midfield legacy is rich with class, leadership, and flair.
Over the years, Villa Park has witnessed midfield generals who controlled games, creators who carved out chances, and warriors who left everything on the pitch. This article ranks the top 10 best Aston Villa midfielder, celebrating their contributions, statistics, and silverware.
Ranking Factors
Lists are subjective, and fans may debate who deserves inclusion. For this ranking, players were chosen based on:
- Overall impact at the club
- Honours won
- Appearances and longevity
- Fan opinion and legacy
The top 10 Aston Villa best midfielders in History
| Rank | Player | Years | Appearances | Goals | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gordon Cowans | 1976–1985, 1988–1991, 1993–1994 | 474 | 57 | First Division (1980–81), European Cup (1981–82), Super Cup (1982), League Cup (1976–77) |
| 2 | Dennis Mortimer | 1975–1985 | 370 | 33 | First Division (1980–81), European Cup (1981–82), Super Cup (1982), League Cup (1976–77) |
| 3 | Gareth Barry | 1998–2009 | 439 | 52 | Intertoto Cup (2001) |
| 4 | John McGinn | 2018–Present | 240+ | 26+ | Championship Play-Offs (2019) |
| 5 | Des Bremner | 1979–1984 | 213 | 10 | First Division (1980–81), European Cup (1981–82), Super Cup (1982) |
| 6 | Jack Grealish | 2012–2021 | 213 | 32 | Championship Play-Offs (2019), FA Cup Finalist (2015), EFL Cup Finalist (2020) |
| 7 | David Platt | 1988–1991 | 117 | 47 | PFA Players’ Player of the Year (1990) |
| 8 | James Milner | 2005–2006 (loan), 2008–2010 | 126 | 22 | League Cup Finalist (2010) |
| 9 | Stiliyan Petrov | 2006–2013 | 219 | 12 | League Cup Finalist (2010) |
| 10 | Andy Townsend | 1993–1997 | 134 | 11 | League Cup (1994, 1996) |
10. Andy Townsend (1993–1997)
Irish midfielder Andy Townsend was a driving force in the list of Aston Villa best midfielders midfielder. During the mid-1990s. Known for his energy, leadership, and work rate, Townsend helped Villa to two League Cup triumphs (1994 and 1996). A strong tackler with a knack for scoring important goals, he was also a regular captain and fan favorite. Townsend’s influence extended beyond his statistics — he gave Villa grit in an era when they were regularly competing at the top end of the Premier League.
9. Stiliyan Petrov (2006–2013)
Petrov arrived from Celtic as a highly decorated midfielder. After a slow start, he became one of Villa’s most reliable performers. His leadership qualities shone when he succeeded Martin Laursen as captain. Petrov led Villa to the 2010 League Cup final and helped the club consistently finish in the Premier League’s top half. His inspirational battle with leukemia and subsequent return as a coach made him a beloved figure in villa park.
8. James Milner (2005–2006 loan, 2008–2010)
Milner’s versatility was key for Villa under Martin O’Neill. Initially a winger, he adapted brilliantly to central midfield after Gareth Barry’s departure. His 2009–10 campaign was particularly outstanding, scoring 12 goals and earning the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Milner’s energy, technical quality, and professionalism made him one of Villa’s standout Premier League midfielders.
7. David Platt (1988–1991)
Despite only spending three seasons at Villa, Platt made a huge impact. The attacking midfielder scored 47 goals in 117 games — an exceptional return. In 1989–90, he was named PFA Players’ Player of the Year after leading Villa to a second-place league finish. His performances earned him a move to Italy and a starring role with England at the 1990 World Cup. Few midfielders have matched Platt’s scoring ability at Villa.
6. Jack Grealish (2012–2021)
A boyhood Villa fan, Grealish carried the club through some of its toughest years. His creativity, dribbling, and flair made him Villa’s talisman. Grealish was pivotal in Villa’s 2019 Championship play-off triumph and their return to the Premier League. His performances drew attention across Europe, culminating in a £100m move to Manchester City in 2021 — making him the most expensive English footballer in history. Though his departure hurt, his legacy at Villa is undeniable.
5. Des Bremner (1979–1984)
Part of Villa’s legendary midfield in the early 1980s, Bremner was a tough-tackling, tireless player. He played every league game in Villa’s title-winning 1980–81 season and was instrumental in their 1982 European Cup triumph. His consistency and commitment made him one of the most reliable midfielders in Villa history, even if he often went under the radar compared to some teammates.
4. John McGinn (2018–Present)
McGinn joined from Hibernian in 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite. Nicknamed “Super John McGinn,” he scored the decisive goal in the 2019 Championship play-off final that took Villa back to the Premier League. Since then, he has grown into a leader, becoming club captain in 2022. Under Unai Emery, McGinn has captained Villa into Europe, including the Champions League for the first time in over 40 years. His energy, passing, and leadership ensure his place among the best.
3. Gareth Barry (1998–2009)
Barry made over 400 appearances for Villa, becoming the heartbeat of the side during the 2000s. Initially a defender, he developed into a commanding central midfielder known for his passing range and composure. Barry’s loyalty and consistency earned him the captaincy, and he remains the Premier League’s all-time appearance holder. Though his departure to Manchester City caused some bitterness, his service to Villa cements him as one of their greatest.
2. Dennis Mortimer (1975–1985)
Mortimer captained Aston Villa during their golden era. He lifted the First Division trophy in 1981 and the European Cup in 1982, the greatest moment in Villa’s history. A dynamic and inspirational midfielder, Mortimer embodied leadership on and off the pitch. His performances in Europe, especially against Bayern Munich in the final, ensured his legendary status.
1. Gordon Cowans (1976–1985, 1988–1991, 1993–1994)
“Sid” Cowans is perhaps the most iconic Aston Villa best midfielder in history. Across three spells, he played 474 games and won every major trophy with the club, including the European Cup. A technically gifted playmaker with a brilliant left foot, Cowans controlled matches with his vision and passing. Despite injury setbacks, his loyalty and achievements make him the definitive number one on this list.
Conclusion
From European Cup-winning legends like Cowans, Mortimer, and Bremner to modern stars like Grealish and McGinn, Aston Villa’s best midfielders history is rich with talent. These players not only defined their eras but also left a lasting impact on Villa Park and its supporters.
Villa fans will continue to debate their favorites, but these top 10 Aston Villa best midfielders stand out as the greatest to ever wear the famous claret and blue shirt in the middle of the park.
FAQ Section – Aston Villa Best Midfielders
Q1. Who is the best midfielder in Aston Villa history?
Gordon Cowans is widely regarded as the best Aston Villa midfielder of all time. Known for his passing range, vision, and consistency, Cowans played 474 matches across three spells and helped Villa win the European Cup in 1982.
Q2. Who captained Aston Villa to their European Cup victory in 1982?
Dennis Mortimer was Aston Villa’s captain during their historic 1982 European Cup final, leading the team to a famous 1–0 win against Bayern Munich.
Q3. Which Aston Villa midfielder has made the most appearances?
Gareth Barry played 439 matches for Aston Villa between 1998 and 2009, making him one of the longest-serving midfielders in the club’s history.
Q4. Who is Aston Villa’s best current midfielder?
John McGinn is Aston Villa’s standout current midfielder. As club captain, he has led Villa back into European football and into the Champions League under Unai Emery.
Q5. Which Aston Villa midfielder was sold for £100 million?
Jack Grealish became the most expensive English footballer ever when Aston Villa sold him to Manchester City for £100 million in 2021.
Q6. Who is the best Aston Villa player?
This is subjective, but many fans consider Gordon Cowans, Paul McGrath, and Dwight Yorke among the club’s greatest ever players. For modern times, Jack Grealish and John McGinn are also highly regarded.
Q7. Who is the midfielder for Aston Villa in England’s national team?
Historically, Gareth Barry represented both Aston Villa and England as a midfielder, winning 53 caps for the national team while at Villa. He is one of the Aston villa best midfielders.
Q8. Who is Aston Villa’s all-time top scorer?
Billy Walker is Aston Villa’s all-time top scorer, with 244 goals between 1919 and 1933. He remains a club legend and one of the most iconic forwards in Villa history.
Q9. Who’s the best midfielder in football right now?
Globally, players like Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modrić, and Jude Bellingham are often considered among the best midfielders in world football today. For Aston Villa, John McGinn currently holds that honor.
