Sports
Paul Scholes Names His 5 Best Midfielders in World Football
World football is blessed with some excellent midfield talent right now. From technical passers and dribblers to brilliant enforcers, there are a whole variety of engine room operators, some of whom are among the best to ever play the game.
Whittling down the extensive shortlist of players to a select few is a mean task, but very few individuals are more qualified to pick out the best of the best than Paul Scholes. The former Manchester United star was one of the finest passers of the ball ever, dictating play from deep and playing his part in 11 Premier League triumphs, along with two Champions League successes.
Recently, Scholes was asked to name the five best midfielders in the world right now on an episode of ‘The Good, The Bad and The Football.’ And the former Red Devil made several big calls, choosing to omit the likes of Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Jude Bellingham.
5
Frenkie De Jong
Since moving from Ajax to Barcelona in 2019, Frenkie de Jong has been a pivotal part of the Blaugrana’s midfield setup. The Dutchman has played a very similar role to Scholes, dictating play and looking to control games from deeper positions.
De Jong is equally important to his national side, earning 61 caps for the Oranje. His passing quality is undeniable and he’s been particularly impressive under Hansi Flick, with his composure in possession allowing the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha to thrive. Scholes is a big fan, stating how impressed he was when watching the 28-year-old against Newcastle in the Champions League.
“I like watching technical players. I thought he was brilliant against Newcastle [in the Champions League].”
4
Alexis Mac Allister
When he’s playing at his best, Alexis Mac Allister is a truly excellent number eight. His eye for a pass is fantastic, he’s a good dribbler, and he’s capable of a long-range strike. The Argentine really can be a complete package for both his country and for Liverpool.
Performances in 2025/26, however, haven’t been up to par. Mac Allister has been out of form for Arne Slot’s side, who have a hit a speed bump as a unit, with some fans even urging their manager to drop the 26-year-old after a poor performance against Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, Scholes believes that his class is permanent and referenced how well he played when Liverpool faced United last year.
“I thought he was brilliant last year for Liverpool. I saw him up close in a league game at Old Trafford and he controlled everything.”
3
Vitinha
Paris Saint-Germain, over the last year, have established themselves as one of the best teams in the world. Winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions, they are blessed with talent across the pitch, but especially in midfield, where Vitinha operates.
The Portuguese midfielder’s ability to operate in the tightest of spaces makes him such a valuable asset, with very few current midfielders possessing his dribbling ability. Finishing third in the race for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Scholes admitted that there was very little to separate his three top midfielders and that he could have ranked the 25-year-old even higher.
“He was sensational for PSG last year in the Champions League and Club World Cup, even though they got beaten in the final.”
2
Rodri
Rodri’s importance to Manchester City was evident for all to see after he was sidelined with an ACL injury in September 2024 and missed most of last season. Pep Guardiola’s team didn’t look like the same side without their midfield conductor, as they failed to retain their Premier League crown and fell short in cup competitions.
When he’s available, the Spaniard is one of the best on the planet. He’s exceptional in possession but equally effective without the ball, with his exploits in 2024 for City and Spain seeing him claim the Ballon d’Or that year. Scholes is in no doubt that Rodri was the best midfielder in the world that year, and believes City are a completely different team without him.
“He won the Ballon d’Or two years ago. He’s not started the season well, but he’s had that horriffic injury. He was by far the best midfielder the year he won the Ballon d’Or. I think City are struggling to keep the ball because he’s not up to speed physically yet.”
1
Pedri
For years, Barcelona were blessed with Andres Iniesta and Xavi, two of the greatest midfielders to play the game. They brought phenomenal passing and dribbling, but in the eyes of Scholes, current star Pedri has the best of both individuals.
“When I was a player, I’d go home and watch Barcelona on Saturday and Real Madrid on Sunday. And I watched Pedri the other night and just thought wow. He was like Xavi and Iniesta in one.”
It’s hard to argue against the Man United icon. Breaking into the senior side after coming through the esteemed La Masia academy, no occasion has appeared too big for Pedri, who has looked assured in the engine room for both his club and his country. With quick feet and superb vision, the 22-year-old is one of the best technical players on the planet, and is only set to get better as he gains more experience.
A third summer signing looks to be on the brink of completing a move to Celtic as Martin O’Neill’s side prepare to defend their Scottish Premiership title.
The Bhoys began the transfer window with the arrival of Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who arrived from Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag. Norweigan attacker Kasper Hogh followed him to Parkhead from Bodo/Glimt.
A new midfielder has been on the agenda amid growing doubts over Arne Engels’ future with the Scots. West Ham United are reportedly close to sealing a deal for the Belgian, and it appears a replacement has already been lined up.
Celtic Close to Signing Mika Baur
Celtic are set to turn to Paderborn’s Mika Baur and TEAMtalk reports that negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage. The German midfielder has informed his club that he wants to join the Hoops which has helped push the deal closer to completion.
Baur has agreed on personal terms, and his agent has been in Glasgow to finalise details ahead of the proposed switch. The club are said to have made an improved bid of €3.5 million (£3m) plus €1m (£850k) in add-ons, bringing the total package to €4.5m (£3.85m)
This is still below Paderborn’s €5m (£4.3m) valuation, but talks between the clubs are now nearing an agreement and could come as soon as the next 24 hours. He is tipped for a bright future, having played a key role in his club’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.
The 22-year-old registered four goals and six assists in 36 games across competitions. He possesses a versatile profile, able to play in central midfield as well as further up the pitch and he’s prioritising Celtic over several other interested clubs from around Europe.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Celtic Needed to Replace Arne Engels
Engels has been an important member of Celtic’s midfield, including last season when he helped the Scots win the Premiership. The 22-year-old does sometimes go missing but his physicality proved vital for O’Neill.
A move to West Ham is sure to raise eyebrows because he’ll be heading to the EFL Championship rather than the Premier League. He also proved effective in front of goal, finding the back of the net seven times in 46 games last season.
Baur, described as “outstanding”, will add much-needed creativity to the midfield and help deal with Engels’ departure. He’s an exciting prospect who could prove to be a long-term solution for the Bhoys.
Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up alternatives to Junior Kroupi after deciding to delay a pursuit of the Bournemouth striker.
The young French forward suffered a foot injury during pre-season with the Cherries and has undergone surgery. He’s set to miss the next 3-4 months, and as a result, Spurs are reportedly set to wait until next year to move for the 20-year-old.
Roberto De Zerbi is still expected to be handed a new number nine this summer, and the club have a list of other targets. Having already forked out over £230 million on new signings, including £100m on Sandro Tonali, the transfer chiefs may be cautious about overspending with a future Kroupi pursuit in mind.
Tottenham Eyeing Tresoldi Following Kroupi Injury
One of the names on Tottenham’s list is Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi, who has been talked up for a move to one of Europe’s big guns this summer. He is highly sought after, and Barcna are also admirers of the German-Italian youngster.
According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have done substantial work on Tresoldi and Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and are impressed. They are tracking both players closely and could move for one of them.
Tresoldi has also garnered interest from Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma following an eye-catching season in the Belgian Pro League. He found the back of the net 23 times in 58 games across competitions, including in a 3-3 draw against Barca in the Champions League.
At just 21 years old, he could be a long-term acquisition for the Lilywhites while also helping add much-needed firepower to De Zerbi’s squad. He is a modern centre-forward who makes deep runs and links up well with his fellow attackers.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Spurs Risking Kroupi If They Move For Tresoldi
Spurs could reap the rewards of swooping for Tresoldi, dubbed a ‘Luis Suarez regen’ given his potential and the need for De Zerbi to have more potency up top. Richarlison’s future is uncertain, while Dominic Solanke’s injury record is a concern ahead of the Italian’s first full campaign in charge.
The Kroupi situation will surely be factored in, though, as moving for a young striker could jeopardise a pursuit of the 20-year-old. It’s important that the higher-ups consider the knock-on effect of the German’s potential arrival.
If the Lilywhites intend to move for Kroupi, signing a player of a similar age doesn’t feel like the best approach. Instead, moving for a short-term experienced solution, much like Chelsea swooping for Danny Welbeck, could be the answer.
Newcastle United are closing in on Matthias Jaissle’s first signing ahead of his expected appointment as Eddie Howe’s replacement.
Jaissle is set to take the reins at St James’ Park following Howe’s shock resignation this week. The Magpies have endured a frustrating summer transfer window and have already sold two of their top stars.
Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona in a £69 million deal while Sandro Tonali headed to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million. There’s a good chance Bruno Guimaraes is the next big name to depart as Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the Brazilian midfielder.
Newcastle Closing in on Hornicek Deal
While replacing Guimaraes will undoubtedly be one of Newcastle’s top priorities, they are on the brink of signing Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that they are in advanced negotiations over a deal for the Czech shot-stopper, who has a €30 million (£25m) release clause in his contract.
A move for Hornicek is progressing quickly, and he’s set to become the Tyneside outfit’s second goalkeeping acquisition this summer. Ewen Jaouen arrived from Reims after the club opted against signing Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale permanently.
Hornicek, dubbed “excellent”, has been Braga’s number one since the 2024-25 campaign and earned a call-up to the Czech Republic national team for the World Cup. Despite not featuring, he is tipped for a bright future and could replace Nick Pope, who is expected to leave.
The 24-year-old kept 24 clean sheets in 55 games last season and is a modern sweeper-keeper. Should he arrive at St James’ Park, he’ll become the first addition made to Jaissle’s squad, which is undergoing a rebuild.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Newcastle Need To Back Jaissle
While signing a new goalkeeper has been an obvious need for Newcastle, the higher-ups are continuing to let their top stars depart. That may have largely led to Howe’s departure and Guimaraes’ likely exit may have been the tip of the iceberg.
Lewis Hall could be the next high-profile sale amid reports claiming Manchester United are weighing up a move for the English left-back. If the Magpies do agree to sell, it must be the last of a mass exodus that is threatening to ruin the growth achieved under Howe.
Jaissle should ideally be backed with marquee signings to address those departures. Hornicek certainly isn’t one of them, but he does have the ability to replace Pope and compete with Jaouen for the number one spot.
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