The Greatest Midfielders in Scottish Football History
Throughout Scotland’s illustrious footballing legacy, the nation has given rise to numerous exceptional midfielders.
From hard-nosed battlers to players who dictate the pace of the game, we have highlighted the crème de la crème.
Some have shone in the northern leagues, others in the southern ones, and some have excelled in both – all have proudly donned the iconic blue and white of Scotland.
Scott Brown
A relentless box-to-box midfielder, Scott Brown is a Celtic icon whose passion was evident both in his play and as the team’s captain.
Twice honored as PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year, Brown led Celtic to nine consecutive league titles from 2012 to 2020 and earned 55 caps for his country.
Barry Ferguson
A former captain of both Rangers and the Scottish national team, Barry Ferguson was recognized twice as the SFWA Footballer of the Year at the beginning of the 21st century.
His admirable performances for the Gers led him to a move to Blackburn Rovers in 2003 for a fee of £7.5 million.
Ferguson later lifted the League Cup with Birmingham City, playing a vital role in their surprising victory over Arsenal in the 2011 final.
Stuart McCall
Originally from Yorkshire, the indefatigable Stuart McCall chose to represent Scotland through his father, earning 40 caps from 1990 to 1998.
A Scottish champion with Rangers five times in a row, McCall enjoyed significant success in English football with Everton and two stints at Bradford City, scoring a pair of goals in the 1989 FA Cup final against Liverpool and playing a crucial role in Bradford’s promotion to the Premier League a decade later.
Paul McStay
A beloved figure among Celtic fans, Paul McStay was dedicated to the Bhoys, making nearly 700 appearances and securing three Scottish titles in the 1980s.
With a total of 76 caps, he played for Scotland in both the 1986 and 1990 World Cups and previously captained their U18 squad to victory at the 1982 European Championship.
Paul Lambert
Paul Lambert enjoyed a successful career in both Scotland and Germany, contributing to Celtic’s four league titles and two doubles, and featuring prominently in Borussia Dortmund’s 1996/97 Champions League victory.
Known for his stellar performance that effectively neutralized Zinedine Zidane, he played a crucial role in Dortmund’s triumph over Juventus for their first European championship.
John Collins
With a professional career spanning nearly two decades, John Collins won silverware in three countries and was pivotal in helping Monaco secure the Ligue 1 title in the 1996/97 season.
The former Celtic and Hibernian player also made headlines in 1998 by netting from the spot during the World Cup’s opening match against Brazil.
Darren Fletcher
With 80 caps to his name, Darren Fletcher became the youngest Scotland captain in over 100 years when he donned the armband for the first time at just 20 years old in 2004.
A dynamic midfielder who enjoyed going forward, Fletcher made most of his mark at Manchester United, where he advanced through the youth team to make 342 appearances and collect eight major trophies, including five Premier League titles and the prestigious Champions League.
George Graham
As a key player in Arsenal’s double-winning squad of 1970/71, George Graham was noted for his adaptability, excelling both in midfield and as a forward.
Besides his successful time at Highbury, where he later achieved managerial honors, ‘Stroller’ made his mark at Chelsea, where he secured the League Cup in his inaugural season, as well as at Manchester United.
Gary McAllister
With 80 international caps, Gary McAllister made a significant impact for Scotland, captaining the team at Euro 96.
His keen vision and impeccable passing played a vital role throughout his career, leading him to success with clubs like Leeds and Aston Villa.
Archie Gemmill
While not primarily known for dazzling individual displays, Archie Gemmill’s legendary goal against the Netherlands in the 1974 World Cup highlighted his hidden talents.
A former St. Mirren midfielder, he enjoyed a successful career in England with Derby and Nottingham Forest, winning the First Division title with both under the management of Brian Clough and clinching the European Cup with Forest.
Peter Lorimer
Making his debut for Leeds at the young age of 15, Peter Lorimer showcased extraordinary talent, establishing himself as one of the premier attacking midfielders of his era.
Featuring a thunderous shot capable of exceeding 100mph and a penchant for long-range attempts, he notched nearly 300 goals for club and country.
A two-time First Division champion and victor of both the FA and League Cups with Leeds, Lorimer was also part of the Scottish squad for the 1974 World Cup.
Gordon Strachan
Bringing both aggression and exceptional technical skills to the right side of midfield, Gordon Strachan had standout spells with Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds, and Scotland.
After securing several major trophies with Aberdeen under Alex Ferguson, including the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983, Strachan was key to Manchester United’s FA Cup success and instrumental in Leeds achieving both the Second and First Division titles in three short years at the start of the 90s.
Named FWA Footballer of the Year in 1991, he represented Scotland in both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.
Jim Baxter
Held in high esteem by his peers, Jim Baxter was a true luminary of Scottish football, controlling the midfield with unparalleled elegance and skill.
A brilliant passer who elevated the game of those around him, Baxter earned 34 caps for Scotland, winning three league titles and three Scottish Cups with Rangers, who transferred him to Sunderland for a then Scottish-record £72,500 in 1965.
Alex Ferguson once referred to Baxter as “arguably the best player ever to grace Scottish football.”
Graeme Souness
Central to Liverpool’s success during the 1970s and 80s, Graeme Souness was a prominent midfielder in his era.
Known for his direct and uncompromising style, he won five First Division titles and three European Cups with the Reds, serving as team captain for his final three seasons at Anfield.
A captain for a significant portion of his 54 Scotland appearances, Souness wore the armband during the 1982 and 1986 World Cups and also picked up trophies with Sampdoria and Rangers.
Dave Mackay
Regarded as one of the greatest players for both Hearts and Tottenham, Dave Mackay was an exceptionally versatile midfielder who played a crucial role in multiple triumphs at both clubs.
Instrumental in Spurs’ double-winning 1960/61 season after previously capturing the 1957/58 Scottish First Division title with Hearts, Mackay was praised by George Best as “the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced – and surely the bravest.”
He earned 22 caps with Scotland, contributing to their success in the 1962/63 British Home Championship.
Billy Bremner
Notably tough in tackles, Billy Bremner energized Leeds’ midfield throughout the 60s and 70s, securing his place among the top players of his time and, indeed, in history.
Famed for his precise passing, Bremner, who accrued 54 caps for Scotland, led the national side during the 1974 World Cup and was a pivotal leader during Leeds’ most fruitful era, steering them to two First Division championships, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a spot in the 1975 European Cup final.
In 1970, he was honored with the prestigious FWA Footballer of the Year accolade.
