Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has sparked debate once again after claiming that Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister are better midfielders than Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.
During an appearance on *The Overlap*, Scholes openly admitted that while Rice and Caicedo are two of the most respected midfielders in the Premier League right now, he simply doesn’t rate them as highly as many others do.
Rice, who joined Arsenal in a record £105 million move from West Ham United, and Caicedo, who became Chelsea’s most expensive signing at £115 million from Brighton, have both been praised for their work rate, consistency, and defensive stability this season. However, Scholes says he looks for a completely different set of qualities in a midfielder.
“I get criticized all the time for leaving certain names out of my top five,” Scholes said. “I didn’t include Caicedo or Rice because, for me, they’re not my kind of players. Vitinha at PSG is absolutely brilliant – he’s amazing to watch. And Mac Allister, for Liverpool last season, was outstanding even though he hasn’t started this campaign particularly well.”
Scholes, who was known for his intelligence, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo during his playing days at Manchester United, explained that his admiration lies with players who can control a game from deep while also contributing creatively.
“I like midfielders who can do a bit of everything – the ones who can defend, create, and control the rhythm of play,” he continued. “Not just those who sit in front of the defense and maybe score the occasional goal. I prefer the more progressive, all-round type of midfielder.”
While acknowledging that Rice and Caicedo are both powerful and effective in their roles, Scholes insists his taste leans toward players who blend technical skill with tactical intelligence.
“Rice isn’t my type of midfielder,” he concluded. “He’s great at what he does, but I like those who make the team tick – who bring calmness, precision, and creativity to the middle of the park. That’s why I’ll always go for someone like Vitinha or Mac Allister.”
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