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Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has named former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes as Premier League’s best player of all time, Metro reported. Both players have come up against each other on many occasions in the Premier League during their playing days, but Henry believes the United player was often underrated by many.
Henry and Scholes are ranked among the best to have played in England’s top flight. Both have earned legendary status in their respective clubs for their immense contribution over the past fifteen years and they have bagged many prestigious honours during their playing careers.
The Frenchman, who’s now a TV pundit, spent eight successful years with the Gunners and he still holds the record for club’s all-time leading goal scorer with a total of 228 goals in 376 appearances. Not only did Henry inspire the North London club to two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, but he also racked up individual honours including PFA Players’ Player of the Year award twice in 2003 and 2004.
Another player who’s at the same level and calibre with the French legend was his then arch-rival Scholes from United. Henry opted to pick the Englishman against the likes of Ryan Giggs, Alan Shearer and Cristiano Ronaldo over a player who’s often overlooked by many. The Frenchman has hailed the United legend as ‘one of the best, if not the best he has played against’.
“I would have to go Paul Scholes.” he replied when Kay Burley asked him who the best player he has come up against.
“I don't think people have given him the credit he deserves.”
“He's one of the best, if not the best, I've played against, he could do anything.”
“Unfortunately for him, when he was playing for the national team, for England, sometimes people didn't see it like that.”
“If I had a Paul Scholes in my team, everything would be around him.”
“At Manchester United, they saw it like that, but I think Paul Scholes is one of the best I've played against in this league, and seen anywhere.”
Xavi Hernandez labelled Scholes as ‘best midfielder’ in 2011
It’s not only the former Arsenal striker who has showered praise on Scholes for his incredible talent and illustrious career over the years. Barcelona legend Xavi, who’s regarded as one of the best midfielders to have played the game, had once admitted that the United star player was the ‘the best midfield player in the last 20 years.’
“In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes.” he saidÂ?Â? in a 2011 interview.
“I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything.”
“He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn't give possession away.”
“If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.”
