EPL: Cesc Fabregas, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard or Rafael Van Der Vaart?

Steven Gerrard was inspirational for Liverpool against Napoli at Anfield on Thursday, when he almost single-handedly led the Reds to an important morale-boosting victory ahead of Sunday's exciting clash against Chelsea. Gerrard came on as a second half substitute and scored a deserved hat trick against the hapless Napoli, who were outclassed.

The match led me to wonder whether Steven Gerrard was the best attacking midfielder in the Premier League, and three more exquisitely talented midfielders sprung to my mind. Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Tottenham's Rafael Van Der Vaart are three world class attacking midfielders, who have been excellent in the Premier League.

These four players are hugely influential to their sides and determine the fortunes of their clubs to a great extent. I will highlight the importance of each of these midfielders and what they bring to the club.

Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas joined Arsenal at the tender age of 16 and has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. He has already earned Euro and World Championship medals with Spain, but has yet to win the Premier League and Champions League with Arsenal. He has shown tremendous respect for the Arsenal supporters, and despite all the rumors surrounding his impending move to Barcelona, the Spaniard has given his full effort for the Gunners and loves the club.

Fabregas is the heart of the Arsenal team and every attacking move seems to go through the influential Spaniard. He is technically excellent and his vision and creativity is second to none in the Premier League. He has also cultivated a knack for scoring important goals and was the leading goal scorer for the Gunners last season.

The Arsenal captain inspires his team, and they seem to play at a different level when captain Cesc is on the pitch. Arsene Wenger deserves a lot of credit for Fabregas' development, and Fabregas has huge regard for the Frenchman. Cesc Fabregas is undoubtedly one of the most talented playmakers in the world. For Arsenal, he is the inspirational spark who can lead the Gunners to glory. 

Steven Gerrard

Stevie G has always been a fan favorite at Anfield, and it is because he plays with complete passion for the Reds. Liverpool's captain is arguably their most valuable player and is the key to reversing their fortunes following this season's disastrous start. Gerrard has played for Liverpool his entire career, and his greatest achievement was inspiring the team to Champions League glory on that historic night in Istanbul.

Gerrard has a great work rate and his passing range is superb. He is one of the best attacking midfielders to have played in the EPL and is nothing short of inspirational for the Reds. He also has venomous shooting ability, finding the  back of the net with regular success. If there is anyone in the world who could resurrect Liverpool's fortunes, it is the 30-year-old who plays with huge passion for the club.

Gerrard has been one of the most consistent midfielders in the world and even though he has been approached by various clubs, he has remained loyal to the Reds and continues to be their leader on the pitch.

Frank Lampard

He has arguably been the most consistent player for Chelsea and has regularly been among the leading goal scorers. He has also consistently produced numerous assists for the Blues. The former West Ham player has been a regular for Chelsea for many years now and is an integral member of the team.

He is similar to Gerrard in his playing style, which has hindered them in forming a formidable partnership for England. He has excellent passing range, vision and good shooting range. He has consistently scored over 20 goals a season for the last few seasons.

Lampard is amongst Chelsea's most valuable players, along with Didier Drogba and John Terry, and though he is 32 years old, he has shown exceptional work rate and continues to be a quality midfielder.

Rafael Van Der Vaart

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp and chairman Daniel Levy should be given credit for the shrewd acquisition of Rafael Van Der Vaart from Real Madrid. Arsene Wenger joked that he might look at the players that Real Madrid sells in the summer, after seeing the remarkable success achieved by Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder for their respective clubs. Redknapp utilized the opportunity to sign the Dutchman on the last day of the transfer window and he has been a revelation for the Spurs.

Redknapp wanted to sign one or two quality players in the summer after they qualified for the Champions League and brought in the impressive Van Der Vaart. Van der Vaart has shown his quality and has already emerged as Tottenham's most valuable player, along with Gareth Bale. He controls the midfield to a great extent and is the team's creative spark along with Luka Modric. Van der Vaart exudes high confidence, and that has rubbed off on his teammates.

He has excellent vision and creativity and an eye for goal. Furthermore, he has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Tottenham are currently fifth in the table, but with this man on their squad, they could even challenge for the title.

So, there are the four best attacking midfielders in the Premier League. Please comment—who do you think is the best midfielder and why?