Paul Scholes has overlooked Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo while picking the Premier League’s best midfielder right now.
The 50-year-old Manchester United icon is largely considered as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders, so he’s well-placed to pass judgement. Scholes, however, does not rank Rice or Caicedo at the top of his list.
Caicedo has received high praise for his efforts this season and has risen to second position on GiveMeSport’s list of the world’s 20 finest midfielders after an amazing performance in Chelsea’s 2-1 triumph against champions Liverpool on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Rice has justified his massive £100 million transfer fee since joining Arsenal from West Ham in the summer of 2023. The England international will do everything he can this season to assist Arsenal win their first Premier League title since 2004.
Scholes picks the best Premier League midfielder.
However, Scholes believes that another, lesser-known, midfielder is currently the finest in England’s top flight. Despite failing to score a Premier League goal this season, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali has impressed Scholes on the pitch.
On Caicedo, Scholes stated on The Overlap: “I still do not consider Moises Caicedo an all-round midfield player. I know he scored a fantastic goal and played brilliantly the other day.
“I received some backlash last year for criticising him, and I almost regretted it because he performed admirably in the Club World Cup. I just prefer controlling midfielders who play with more style and score more frequently than Caicedo.
“It was a fantastic goal against Liverpool, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t do it again for another 18 months, would you? He is one of the best at what he does, which is to break up the play; he is fantastic at it. But I prefer other varieties.”
He went on to say, “Alexis Mac Allister was absolutely magnificent last season; he dominated a lot of games, and I believe Liverpool are losing that right now. I adore Sandro Tonali as well.
“He has been excellent. Very good. I’d probably go with Tonali at this time.”
Scholes went on to explain why he thinks Tonali is currently better than Rice: “I believe he is. Don’t get me wrong, I like Rice and think he has it all.
“He sometimes takes a few too many touches with the ball and tries to appear more stylish than required. He can do anything, but I don’t think he does it enough. I like Tonali, but they’re both fantastic players.”
Another midfielder Scholes failed to mention is Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, who was outstanding in Arne Slot’s title-winning team last season. And then there’s 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is attempting to regain his best form after missing the most of Manchester City’s 2024-25 season due to injuries.
However, Scholes has made it clear that, as things stand, Newcastle’s stupid Italy international will receive his vote.
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