Paul Scholes revealed one of the most important attributes he looks for in a footballer and one Manchester United player is the “perfect example” of it.
The 49-year-old United legend is widely regarded as one of the best Premier League midfielders of all time after his career under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Scholes showed incredible vision on the pitch and his world-class passing ability would allow him to pick out his former United teammates in dangerous positions.
The TNT Sports pundit exhibited incredible intelligence with his style of play and provided a versatile threat in United’s attack through his long-distance shooting.
Scholes, who named his funniest United teammate of all time, effortlessly forged effective midfield partnerships with the likes of Roy Keane and Michael Carrick.
The former United midfielder spent his entire club playing career at Old Trafford and hoovered up the major silverware during his two separate spells at United.
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What Scholes looks for in a player
Speaking to fellow United legend Gary Neville, Scholes was asked what he looked for in a player and the ex-Red Devils star insisted that “intelligence” is important.
Neville said that Scholes liked a player like Christian Eriksen after the Danish midfielder was brought to Old Trafford by United manager Erik ten Hag.
Speaking on The Overlap in 2022, Scholes said: “Intelligence. Clever players with a brain.
“Yeah, brilliant. [Christian Eriksen is a] Perfect example of a player who plays with his brain.”
Scholes admitted he was a big fan of what Eriksen brought on the pitch and how the United star had an incredible awareness of what was going on around him.
“He’s just a clever player,” he added.
“He knows where he is on the pitch, he knows where other people are on the pitch.”
Eriksen showed quality at United
Eriksen was widely hailed for his debut season at United after he arrived at the Premier League club in 2022 as a free agent.
The former Tottenham and Ajax ace offered Ten Hag a steady presence in midfield after a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong failed to materialise.
Eriksen was a key first-team player for United last season, but the former Brentford man hasn’t had the same impact in the current campaign.
The 31-year-old Denmark international sustained a knee injury last November and missed seven matches for United before his return in December.
Eriksen has remained a steady option in midfield, but United fans voiced their concerns over the midfielder after the 2-2 draw against Tottenham last week.
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