Former England striker Michael Owen describes Paul Scholes as the best midfielder in the world praising his all round game including passing goals vision intelligence and versatility A lasting tribute to the legacy of the Manchester United legend .
Paul Scholes is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the Premier League Former England international and ex striker for Liverpool Real Madrid and Manchester United Michael Owen voiced his admiration for Scholes by saying he can do anything That simple statement reflects the versatility quality and influence that defined Scholes throughout his career .
Who Is Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes spent almost his entire professional career at Manchester United from the early 1990s to the early 2010s He was celebrated for his technical brilliance intelligence on the ball superb passing range and ability to score goals even though he was not a traditional striker Among teammates and rivals alike Scholes earned immense respect Many considered him to have one of the sharpest football brains of his generation He could dictate the tempo of a match create chances finish opportunities and position himself perfectly in almost any situation .
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He Can Do Anything — What Owen Meant
When Michael Owen said Scholes can do anything he was referring to the all round qualities that made the midfielder exceptional .
Passing Ability
Scholes mastered both short and long range passing He could control possession with quick exchanges or switch the play across the pitch with pinpoint accuracy His ability to find teammates in tight spaces set him apart from almost every midfielder of his time .
Goal Contribution
Although he played deeper in midfield Scholes had a remarkable knack for scoring goals He struck with both feet scored headers and delivered from set pieces He was not only a creator but also a consistent finisher when his team needed it most .
Vision and Intelligence
Scholes had a unique understanding of the rhythm of a game He knew exactly when to speed things up when to slow them down when to hold possession and when to release decisive passes His anticipation of opponents moves allowed him to dictate matches almost effortlessly .
Physical and Mental Toughness
Though not the fastest player or the most physically imposing Scholes made up for it with balance composure and reliability He rarely lost control under pressure and consistently made smart decisions that helped his team maintain control in high stakes matches .
Versatility and Complete Midfielder Status
Scholes could adapt to a variety of midfield roles He played deep central or advanced positions depending on the needs of the team He could defend press create and score This adaptability is what earns him the label of a complete midfielder and supports Owens statement that he could do anything .
Michael Owens Relationship with Scholes
Michael Owen shared a dressing room with Scholes at Manchester United and saw first hand what made him special Owen has often praised Scholes passing ability famously saying that nobody on the planet had a range of passing like Paul Scholes For Owen who played alongside world class talents during his career such praise was not given lightly It reflected genuine respect for a teammate who consistently delivered at the highest level .
Why Many Agree — Scholes in Context
Paul Scholes reputation extended far beyond Manchester United He was often called one of the greatest English midfielders ever and was frequently compared with the best players of his era Football icons like Zinedine Zidane Thierry Henry and Pep Guardiola all expressed admiration for Scholes passing vision and influence on the pitch .
Unlike many superstars who thrived on the spotlight Scholes carried himself with humility and simplicity His greatness was not defined by flashy celebrations or media attention but by the quiet brilliance of his performances He let his football do the talking and for those who watched him regularly the evidence was undeniable .
Implications of Owens Statement
Michael Owens recognition of Scholes as the best midfielder in the world adds even greater weight to the players legacy Coming from someone who played at the highest levels of international and club football this opinion carries significant credibility It reinforces the idea that midfield excellence is not just about physical attributes but also about intelligence consistency and technical mastery .
Conclusion
Michael Owens declaration that Paul Scholes can do anything captures the true essence of the Manchester United legend Scholes was complete in every area of midfield play He could pass score create defend and adapt to whatever his team required His humility off the field and his brilliance on it made him a unique figure in football history Owens praise ensures that Scholes legacy as one of the most complete midfielders ever will remain secure for generations to come .