Gerrard, Scholes or Lampard. Who was best?

[Liverbirdie]

Yep.

When you have undeniably 2 of the best midfielders of the modern era (Pirlo and Xavi) wax lyrical about Scholes you know that he was a bit special.

"Speaking ahead of the Champions League final, Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo said: “I have been so fortunate to have played with so many incredible players throughout my career, but if I could pick one that I never got the chance to play with, it would be Paul Scholes.

“One of the all-time greats. A genius on the field, but private - no circus around him off it. I have a lot of respect for him.”


The two were first on opposing teams in United's Champions League winning campaign in 1999 when the Reds played Inter. They have played each other a number of times since Pirlo switched to AC Milan.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has famously been a great admirer of Scholes' football.

"In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen - the most complete - is Scholes," he said in 2011. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything.

"He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more." "

WHy do some people hide behind others peoples opinions when it comes to "the greatest" arguments? IF it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me.......

Its about your opinion not A N Other footballer, manager, journalist.

So if Xavi says Scholes, Zidanes says Gerrard, and say Platini says Lampard, what do you do then?

 

[NWJocko]

Scholes and Gerrard is very marginal, I'd probably go for Scholes but they're different players.

Both a notch above Lampard IMO.

 

[Liverbirdie]

The best and most consistent box to box midfielder I saw at old Trafford over the years was Steven Gerrard. However, Scholes was more skilful and had the creativity to play the pass that others can't. They both had similar goal scoring records so it's horses for courses on that front. Both players were equally as bad in the tackle and got away with a lot. I wouldn't say one got away with more than the other. Of the 3, Lampard handled himself the best on the field and his goal scoring record is superb also.

Out of the 3, I'd have to pick Scholes because of my allegiance to the team me and my family have supported for generations, I also think he could do that one piece of magic to change a game that the other 2 couldn't. That said, Chelsea and Liverpool fans would say the same about the other two as they have probably seen them play the same amount of times I've seen scholes.

Tbh, Given fans dedication and love for their team, it's a discussion that could go on for hours and hours as no one would change their mind about their choice....

A very well balanced argument, and true in lots of ways.

No-one unfit to lace anyone's boots - I can see which twin got the brains.

 

[sawtooth]

WHy do some people hide behind others peoples opinions when it comes to "the greatest" arguments? IF it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me.......

Its about your opinion not A N Other footballer, manager, journalist.

So if Xavi says Scholes, Zidanes says Gerrard, and say Platini says Lampard, what do you do then?

I'd still say Scholes (but Zidane and Platini didn't say those things did they?)

I've always liked Scholes and it's not that Gerrard and Lampard weren't brilliant - they were.

Just Scholes edges it for me and the best accolades for me are ones from fellow players - especially really good players!

You shouldn't be allowed to vote for your own player ha ha, of course you'd say Gerrard.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

I'd still say Scholes (but Zidane and Platini didn't say those things did they?)

I've always liked Scholes and it's not that Gerrard and Lampard weren't brilliant - they were.

Just Scholes edges it for me and the best accolades for me are ones from fellow players - especially really good players!

You shouldn't be allowed to vote for your own player ha ha, of course you'd say Gerrard.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/mar/13/zinedine-zidane-steven-gerrard-liverpool

Zidane at one stage said Gerrard was the best player in the world - he also said at one stage that he wanted Gerrard to play alongside him at Madrird

 

[Deleted member 1740]

I'd still say Scholes (but Zidane and Platini didn't say those things did they?)

I've always liked Scholes and it's not that Gerrard and Lampard weren't brilliant - they were.

Just Scholes edges it for me and the best accolades for me are ones from fellow players - especially really good players!

You shouldn't be allowed to vote for your own player ha ha, of course you'd say Gerrard.

Zidane did about Gerrard.

 

[Pin-seeker]

Out of the 3 who managed a top 3 in the FIFA word player of the year awards?🤔

 

[Deleted member 1740]

Out of the 3 who managed a top 3 in the FIFA word player of the year awards?🤔

If FIFA had anything to do with the voting, it must've been bent, that lot are renowned for corruption.

 

[Pin-seeker]

If FIFA had anything to do with the voting, it must've been bent, that lot are renowned for corruption.

😂 Can't really argue with that.

 

[wrighty1874]

We've had a serious shortage of world class players in recent times, but Scholes would have got into any team in the world. Different class.

 

[Liverbirdie]

We've had a serious shortage of world class players in recent times, but Scholes would have got into any team in the world. Different class.

Except the England team at the time?

 

[Pin-seeker]

We've had a serious shortage of world class players in recent times, but Scholes would have got into any team in the world. Different class.

All 3 would have got in any team imo.

 

[nickjdavis]

I don't profess to being an expert but even i can work out this is crap.
Go on take a wild guess as to why.

Yeah... sorry... ten years out...... meant 2002. Bottled a tackle against Brazil and they ran up the pitch to score.

(But I guess most intelligent folks would have realised this)

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Yeah... sorry... ten years out...... meant 2002. Bottled a tackle against Brazil and they ran up the pitch to score.

(But I guess most intelligent folks would have realised this)

Wasn't it Beckham who jumped out of the tackle against Brazil ?

 

[ColchesterFC]

Wasn't it Beckham who jumped out of the tackle against Brazil ?

I think it was. Protecting his broken foot? Another good reason not to take injured players to tournaments. When we will ever learn?

 

[BesCumber]

Yeah... sorry... ten years out...... meant 2002. Bottled a tackle against Brazil and they ran up the pitch to score.

(But I guess most intelligent folks would have realised this)

Or got it right to start with.:thup:

But you're right, so I'll bow to your superior intellect.

Oh, your description of Lombard. May i also add, excellent comedic actress. :thup:

 

[Karl102]

A very well balanced argument, and true in lots of ways.

No-one unfit to lace anyone's boots - I can see which twin got the brains.

Just an opinion Pedro :thup:

As much as there were certain statistical similarities on the pitch, If you put the whole package together, as this poll shows, Scholes wins hands down every time. Gerrard stood out in what was an average Liverpool team compared to their great team of the 70's and 80's. Suarez, as much as a plonker he was, was a great player and he took the limelight off Gerrard as he had a greater impact on the outcome of games more that Stevie did. Scholes stood out in a team of fantastic players in Utd's golden era and orchestrated games. If you put Gerrard in the Liverpool team of 80's he would be overshadowed by Souness and McDermott who were equally as good as Gerrard. Robson, in a reverse argument was similar. He was a good player who stood out in an average and underachieving Utd team in the 80's.
Off the pitch as well, Scholes was as good a role model as any kid could have. Gerrard had far too many indiscretions. I know guys who knew him growing up, indeed, my missus was in the same class as Alex Curran and as I am sure you know the stories ain't great. Scholes grew up in the era of Sharp, Giggs and Beckham being clowns at times, all of which have cocked up majorly at some point. Never Scholes. He is as grounded as they come.
It's a good discussion and everybody has their respected opinions

Anyway to settle the argument, we should get Scholes to apply for Birkdale. If he gets in, he's better than Gerrard.... :clap:

 

[shagster]

oh lampard wasn't a box to box player then!!!
as been pointed out if scholes or gerrard had played for lesser teams, they would have missed a lot of matches through suspensions
gerrard better engine!!! lampard most consecutive games by an outfield player, not bad for a 2nd rate midfielder
england's main problem was gerrard, especially when he was captain, even carragher said there was no leadership when he was captain
england should have built their midfield around scholes and lampard, they could not have been worse than when gerrard played

 

[Liverbirdie]

Just an opinion Pedro :thup:

As much as there were certain statistical similarities on the pitch, If you put the whole package together, as this poll shows, Scholes wins hands down every time. Gerrard stood out in what was an average Liverpool team compared to their great team of the 70's and 80's. Suarez, as much as a plonker he was, was a great player and he took the limelight off Gerrard as he had a greater impact on the outcome of games more that Stevie did. Scholes stood out in a team of fantastic players in Utd's golden era and orchestrated games. If you put Gerrard in the Liverpool team of 80's he would be overshadowed by Souness and McDermott who were equally as good as Gerrard. Robson, in a reverse argument was similar. He was a good player who stood out in an average and underachieving Utd team in the 80's.
Off the pitch as well, Scholes was as good a role model as any kid could have. Gerrard had far too many indiscretions. I know guys who knew him growing up, indeed, my missus was in the same class as Alex Curran and as I am sure you know the stories ain't great. Scholes grew up in the era of Sharp, Giggs and Beckham being clowns at times, all of which have cocked up majorly at some point. Never Scholes. He is as grounded as they come.
It's a good discussion and everybody has their respected opinions

Anyway to settle the argument, we should get Scholes to apply for Birkdale. If he gets in, he's better than Gerrard.... :clap:

I know, mate.

World class players can stand out in bang average or great sides, its not the basis of a comparison for me.

Scholes had lots of players on the same page as him in terms of ability and mindset and great players play better, and can trust, with other great players. Would Scholes have been as good at, lets say, Blackburn in their hey day - I very much doubt. He would still be a boss player, but playing with Wilcox and Sutton who wouldnt have had that same mindset of passing, pressuring and all round team "philosophy".

Gerrard was slightly better than Souness, but they would have made an awesome partnership. I think you also de-value Robson, who was a great player.

Off-field stuff doesnt have a bearing on how good a player is, although Scholes was spot on......BTW, it was Hillside (nearly as good as Birkdale, and better than Formby).

I understand peoples different opinions, and one thing this has proved, is that the 3 of them are all rated very close together, and no-one is in the "not fit to lace his boots" section, all on their own, which is what I think this stemmed from. Job done.

If this argument was about Ferdinand, Terry and Carragher, I would firmly have Carragher in 3rd place, so can look past the red goggles.:thup:

Now worst full backs - moreno, traore - you havent got any dross that can get near them........:ears:

 

[Slime]

Zidane did about Gerrard.

.................... and about Paul Scholes!


Zinedine Zidane: My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the greatest midfielder of his generation.

Socrates (Brazil): Good enough to play for Brazil. I love to watch Scholes, to see him pass, the boy with the red hair and the red shirt.

Marcello Lippi: Paul Scholes would have been one of my first choices for putting together a great team – that goes to show how highly I have always rated him. An all-round midfielder who possesses quality and character in abundance.

Cesc Fabregas: For any football player in the Premiership, Scholes is a player you want to emulate. One player does not make a team but there is no doubt that the presence of some players add extra motivation and confidence. Scholes is a player with character and is capable of transmitting that mental strength to his team-mates.

Laurent Blanc: I tell anyone who asks me – Scholes is the best English player.

Xavi Hernandez: Paul Scholes is a role model. For me – and I really mean this – he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. I've spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He's spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.


Patrick Vieira: The player in the Premiership I admire most? Easy - Scholes.


Michael Owen: Nobody on this planet had a range of passing like Paul Scholes. Training every day was a pleasure just watching him.


Edgar Davids: I’m not the best, Paul Scholes is.


Okay, I know I'm biased, but they guys quoted above aren't.