We enjoy debating issues related to football. Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? The Invincibles of Arsenal or the treble of Manchester United? The list might continue. And Paul Scholes vs. Steven Gerrard was a hot topic in England in the middle of the 2000s. Finally, it seems as though the discussion is over.
The two guys are frequently mentioned with some of the finest Premier League players in history. However, selecting one above the other is undoubtedly not the simplest assignment. After all, Gerrard sometimes virtually single-handedly led Liverpool to victory against the odds, while Scholes was an integral part of the Man Utd machine that dominated football in the UK for years.
Even though every fan will have an opinion, it seems like one of the parties concerned should be the only one whose viewpoint is worth paying attention to. Due of this, Scholes’ modest response when questioned about the subject recently on the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE podcast was fascinating to hear.
I can’t respond to that, Gerrard, he said. Gerrard is a fantastic athlete. I’m not saying it to you. We are really distinct from one another.
When pressed for more information, he responded, “He’s an athlete. He’s more of a match-winner in my opinion. However, he was a member of a team where he most likely had to be. I felt more like a team member. I believe he was more distinctive… I’m not capable of accomplishing what he did at Liverpool.
I’m not sure if he could have succeeded at United. Though I fail to see why not. However, I couldn’t have accomplished what he achieved in Liverpool.