17 January 2024 , 20:22
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Robbie Savage believes Paul Scholes is the greatest midfielder to have ever taken to the field in the Premier League.
The former Leicester City, Birmingham and Blackburn star was drawn into the debate on the latest Football Digest podcast. Kevin De Bruyne was the point of conversation after the Belgian’s seamless return to the Manchester City side.
Asked who he believed who is the best midfielder in Premier League history, Savage said: “Paul Scholes. Well I’ve got be biassed because I played against Scholesy, Patrick Vieira and so many good players in the generation I played against - Frank Lampard.
“It’s got to be in terms of the same types of players, Scholesy or Kevin De Bruyne. People say about David Beckham, different players although Kevin De Bruyne is more on the right-hand side when he whips balls in behind defences, David Beckham could do that also.
“I think if you look at Scholesy or Kevin De Bruyne - the same type of players. When you’ve got Iniesta, Zidane talking about Scholesy the way they did, I’d have to just go for Scholesy. It’s a great debate but I would say Scholesy.”
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Savage was then asked if he would prefer to have former Manchester United star Scholes in his side or Man City playmaker De Bruyne, he did not hesitate. Savage replied: “Scholes.”
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Scholes’ personal trophy haul invariably ranks him as one of the most decorated players to play in the Premier League. Over his 718 appearances for the Red Devils, he won 11 league titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and two League Cups.
Scholes eventually retired from the game at the end of the 2012/13 season after helping the Red Devils to yet another Premier League crown. Elsewhere, De Bruyne has gone on to become one of the most productive playmakers in the world since arriving at Man City from Wolfsburg in 2015.
The Belgian has five Premier League titles to his name and played a pivotal role as Pep Guardiola ’s side claimed a historic treble last term. Former Man City star Micah Richards does not quite agree with Savage’s assessment - and ranks Steven Gerrard highest - but believes De Bruyne could surpass the Liverpool icon.
"My number one has always been Steven Gerrard," Richards said. "I just think he had absolutely everything, and played in teams that weren't potentially as great as the others and he was always the key man.
"To get to two Champions League finals, winning one of them and losing one, but being a key man in getting them there. I know he didn't win the Premier League, but just his consistency, he would be my number one. I think that by the time De Bruyne has finished his career, I think he might just overtake him [Gerrard]."