Paul Scholes is undisputedly the greatest English midfielder of his generation. However, the same accolade was awarded to Paul Gascoigne as he lit up the 1990 world cup.
These are the two greatest talents this country has produced since the days of Bobby Charlton, but which one would you elect as the greatest? Could they have played together if their eras had crossed paths?
Just as a footnote, it is worth noting that Gazza scored 10 goals for England in 59(?) games. Claiming him to be the greatest midfielder this country has produced would be a disservice to Charlton, who knocked in 49 goals in his 106 game career.
One would argue that Scholes is the closest thing to Bobby Charlton, but would he have sparked the excitement at a World Cup in the manner that Gazza did, had he not retired from international football when he was shoved out wide to accommodate Frank Lampard?
Battle of the Pauls: Gazza v Scholes
posted on 16/5/14
^ Don't think I'm coming across fair in my above comment in regards to Gascoinge. I DO think he was a true prodigy. A genius even, and VC is correct when he says they both had gifts the other didn't. But Gascoinge was a lesser genius to me. I suppose it depends on who you prefer. No right answer, but ask me who I'd want in my team in a champions league or World Cup final, who I'd want lining up in the centre of the pitch, and I would never chose Gascoinge over Scholes, regardless of opposition or tactics. That makes my decision very easy when picking between the two.
posted on 16/5/14
I would take Gazza over Scholes, if both were 100% ,into a World Cup final over Scholes. Gazza had a far better passing range than some comments suggest.
Shame he was facked by the time he was 24.
posted on 16/5/14
comment by Darren The King Fletcher (U10026)
posted 1 hour, 9 minutes ago
DJ, spot on.
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Seconded
posted on 16/5/14
Not to lend a helping hand to the Scousers but Scholes was moved to the wing to accommodate Lampard not Gerrard as the article stated.
posted on 16/5/14
article corrected
posted on 16/5/14
What dj said.
But accept I may be slightly biased.
posted on 16/5/14
One more thing to add.
Not sure you would catch Scholes blubbing. Gazza definately had one up manship in terms of turning on the water tap.
posted on 16/5/14
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posted on 16/5/14
Unfortunately i'm only old enough to remember Gazza being injured for Lazio and waltzing through defences in the SPL, it was ridiculously easy for him in Scotland.
I do remember him not being fully fit for France '98 and Hoddle dropping him from the squad, that took balls IMO and I respect Hoddle for doing it.
NO England manager has dropped an injured star name (Beckham & Rooney) since i don't think, too scared.
Gerrard is a brilliant midfielder but I think he revels in the "saviour" or "one man team" narrative, it's all about him. Scholesy is definitely more team orientated than Gerrard, and can control a game more effectively.
posted on 16/5/14
Mancs overrate Scholes. Great player though