Paul Scholes Names Unexpected Choice for Premier League's Top Midfielder, Leaving Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo Behind

Published on October 07, 2025 at 01:57 PM
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PAUL SCHOLES has revealed his surprise pick for the Premier League’s best midfielder after snubbing Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.

star Caicedo has been in sublime form this season, netting his third goal of the campaign in Saturday’s win against

TNT Sports pundit Paul Scholes at a UEFA Europa League match.Paul Scholes has revealed his pick for the Prem’s best midfielder Moises Caicedo celebrating Chelsea's first goal.He snubbed Moises Caicedo despite the Chelsea star’s sublime form

The £115million man took the roof off the net with a scorcher from distance.

And many pundits, including Scholes’ ex- teammate Gary Neville, have since hailed him as the best midfielder in England.

As for Rice, he too is regarded as one of the business’ finest.

The England star has one goal and three assists for , who sit top of the Premier League after seven games.

And like Caicedo, Rice continues to be hailed by fans and pundits alike.

However, Scholes doesn’t believe that either man deserves the mantle of the Prem’s No1.

The former playmaker feels Caicedo is a strong defensive unit, but lacks the ability to really make things happen in advanced positions.

As for Rice, Scholes believes he is too focused on the technical side and can be guilty of overplaying.

Instead, Scholes reckons that Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is the best midfielder in the top flight.

The Italian is yet to score in the league this term but does have an assist to his name.

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Declan Rice of Arsenal on the ball during a UEFA Champions League match.Scholes also turned his back on Arsenal’s Declan Rice Sandro Tonali in action for Newcastle United.He instead plumped for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali

Scholes also pointed to Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister and reckons the Reds’ woes are in large down to his rocky form.

Scholes told The Overlap: (Best in the league?) That is tough.

“I still don’t class Moises Caicedo as an all-round midfield player. I know he scored a great goal and was brilliant the other day.

“I got some stick last year having a go at him and I almost thought about taking that back because he was brilliant in the Club World Cup.

“I just prefer the controlling type of midfield players who play with a bit more style and can score goals a bit more often.

“It was a brilliant goal but you would not be surprised if he did not do that again for another 18 months.

“He is one of the best at what he does, which is breaking up the play. He is brilliant at that, but I prefer the other types.

“I love Sandro Tonali as well, he’s been brilliant, very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point.

“Alexis Mac Allister was absolutely brilliant last season, he controlled a lot of games and I think Liverpool are missing that at the moment.

“I really like Rice, don’t get me wrong, I think he’s got everything. But sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary.”

Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool running during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid.Scholes also had high praise for Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister

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