Paul Scholes was a special talent who many believe is the best ball-playing midfielder in Premier League history. The iconic former Manchester United man could pick out a teammate with ease, using his incredble vision and long-ball passing accuracy. He won 11 titles during a trophy-laden career at Old Trafford.
Pep Guardiola and Thierry Henry are among those who side with Scholes over the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. His footballing brilliance is still worshipped by those in the game today, a versatile midfielder who could play as a second striker and even out wide.
Matthijs de Ligt: Paul Scholes Was My Idol
Matthijs de Ligt is the latest player from the modern era to highlight their admiration for Scholes. The Manchester United defender spoke glowingly about the former England international and how he started his career as a midfielder to try and replicate his 'idol'. He told Dion Dublin on BBC Sport:
"Until I was 15 I was a midfielder. I was quite good as a midfielder, spraying passes. My example, I watched videos of Paul Scholes because he was my idol."
There was only one person Matthijs de Ligt wanted to meet when he joined Manchester United 🤩
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 25, 2025
@DionsDublinsDube's had a catch-up with @mdeligt_04 for #FootballFocus 🗣#BBCFootball #ManUtd pic.twitter.com/WdHuD8uqSn
Scholes made 714 appearances for United, making him the club's third all-time appearance maker behind Ryan Giggs (963) and the late great Sir Bobby Charlton (746). He scored 153 goals and provided 83 assists, and so passionate he was about the sport that he couldn't resist coming out of retirement in January 2012 and helped Sir Alex Ferguson win his final title before the Scot retired in 2013.
The Curious Case Of Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt, 25, looked to be on his way to superstardom when he broke onto the scene at Ajax as a teenager and became captain aged 19. The Dutch defender's potential was massive, and many tipped him to become one of the Netherlands' all-time greats.
That somewhat hasn't happened for De Ligt whose start to life at United has been mixed. Scholes somewhat surprisingly named the former Bayern Munich man as one of the many current United players he would sell.
De Ligt has appeared 28 times across competitions, helping the Red Devils keep seven clean sheets while chipping in with one goal. His strength and aerial abilities have been on display and there are perhaps hints of a midfield profile in his game that maybe Ruben Amorim should consider amid a difficult season for the club and the player.