Janice R. Andrews
Paul Scholes, one of Manchester United’s most celebrated players, enjoyed a legendary career spanning over two decades, accumulating over 700 appearances. During his illustrious time on the pitch, he encountered some of the finest talents in football history.
In a 2011 interview with Manchester United’s official website, Scholes unveiled his all-time greatest XI composed of opponents he faced. His picks, arranged in a 4-4-1-1 formation, included iconic players, particularly from European heavyweights Barcelona and AC Milan. Let’s delve into the lineup, along with Scholes’ remarks and highlights of his encounters with these legends.
Goalkeeper: Edwin van der Sar
“A brilliant keeper who always did well when we played against him at Fulham, so I was delighted when he came to us. A great professional – we were lucky to have him!”
Before becoming teammates, Scholes faced Van der Sar in several intense matches. The Dutchman first squared off against Scholes on the international stage in 2001 when the Netherlands beat England 2-0. In domestic encounters, Van der Sar often frustrated Manchester United while at Fulham, although he failed to secure a clean sheet in their league battles.
Right-Back: Cafu
“He had incredible stamina and a great engine that kept him going up and down the right for years. You don’t play for Brazil for that long without being a brilliant player.”
The Brazilian full-back, known for his relentless energy, clashed with Scholes in six matches—three for AC Milan and three in international games between Brazil and England. Cafu’s teams emerged victorious in five encounters, with the aggregate score favoring him 9-2. He was particularly dominant in the Champions League, where Milan eliminated United twice during the mid-2000s.
Centre-Back: Jaap Stam
“I preferred having Jaap on our team, to be honest, rather than facing him with Milan. He was tough, fast, a good reader of the game – everything a defender should be really.”
Stam, a former United defender, was a fearsome opponent when Scholes faced him. The Dutchman secured victories in their two meetings, including Milan’s memorable win in the 2005 Champions League Round of 16.
Centre-Back: Paul McGrath
“He scared me when I played against him. I was further forward back then, and you could hear him coming up behind you! That, plus his ability, made him really tough.”
A legend for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland, McGrath faced Scholes in the mid-1990s. Out of their five encounters, McGrath’s sides triumphed twice, showcasing his imposing presence and exceptional defensive skills.
Left-Back: Paolo Maldini
“He won European Cups, Serie A titles, and loads of major honours with Milan, plus he played in four World Cups. Probably one of the best defenders there has been.”
The Italian icon was instrumental in Milan’s back-to-back 1-0 wins over Manchester United in the 2004-05 Champions League campaign. Even in his later years, Maldini’s class and composure left a lasting impression on Scholes.
Right Wing: David Beckham
“It was strange to play against Becks after knowing him for so long. I think he kicked me, if I remember rightly, but he’s been absolutely brilliant for years and been a top player.”
Scholes’ former teammate and Class of ’92 graduate, Beckham, faced him twice while playing for AC Milan. In these encounters, United emerged victorious, including a memorable 4-0 thrashing at Old Trafford during the 2009-10 Champions League campaign.
Central Midfielder: Xavi Hernandez
“He’s been one of the best players in the world. His passion and vision are incredible, and he’s at the heart of probably the best team I’ve played against [Barcelona].”
Xavi was a pivotal figure in Barcelona’s dominance, particularly in their Champions League final victories over United in 2009 and 2011. Scholes had also crossed paths with him during earlier campaigns, including United’s victorious 2007-08 semi-final, where he scored the decisive goal.
Central Midfielder: Andres Iniesta
“Like Xavi, Iniesta is top class and key to how Barcelona play. The same goes at international level with Spain, and not many players can say they’ve scored a World Cup-winning goal.”
Iniesta, the maestro alongside Xavi, was a nightmare for opponents. Scholes experienced the brilliance of Barcelona’s midfield duo in multiple high-stakes clashes, including the 2011 Champions League final.
Left Wing: Rivaldo
“We played against Rivaldo when he was probably at his peak with Barcelona, and he was absolutely unbelievable. He could do anything.”
Rivaldo’s dazzling performances against Manchester United in the late 1990s are etched in memory. The Brazilian scored twice in a 3-3 draw at Camp Nou during the 1998-99 Champions League group stage. On the international stage, he added to his tally by scoring against England in the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals.
Attacking Midfielder: Zinedine Zidane
“Probably the best player I played against. He made everything look really easy, and he was just top class in everything that he did. You just couldn’t get the ball off him.”
The French maestro squared off against Scholes in multiple competitions, including the Champions League and international tournaments. Zidane’s brilliance was evident during Real Madrid’s dominant win in the 2001-02 Champions League quarter-finals. However, Scholes had his moment in the iconic 1999 semi-final when United overturned Juventus, with Zidane still putting on a stellar display.
Striker: Lionel Messi
“He’s the best footballer in the world. It’s scary to think that he could get even better.”
Messi, even in 2011, was a dominant force. Scholes encountered the Argentine at his peak during the Champions League finals in 2009 and 2011, where Messi’s genius was on full display.
A Legacy Built on Greatness
Paul Scholes’ all-time XI serves as a testament to the exceptional talent he faced throughout his career. From Barcelona’s midfield maestros to AC Milan’s rock-solid defenders, each player brought their unique brilliance to the pitch, making Scholes’ career all the more remarkable.
These legendary opponents, many of whom were part of footballing dynasties, underline the intensity and quality of Scholes’ era. While Scholes himself remains a symbol of consistency and excellence, his selections highlight the profound respect he held for those who challenged him.
