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Topics: Manchester United, England, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Paul Scholes, Football
Brad Cox
Topics: Manchester United, England, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Paul Scholes, Football
Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has revealed who he believes was the most talented player from the Three Lions' 'Golden Generation'.
In 2001, former FA chief executive Adam Crozier branded the England side, that included the likes of Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and more, the 'Golden Generation'.
He claimed they could win the World Cup in 2006, which was not that outrageous to say at the time due to the talent at their disposal. But it sure did pile on the pressure.
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It would end in disappointment for England, who were knocked out by Portugal in the quarter-finals.
England's manager at the time, Eriksson, has now revealed his pick for the best player in the squad.
"I think Paul Scholes was the most talented player I ever coached – he had everything," Eriksson told Betway.
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"You can pick so many immense players from my time. [Wayne] Rooney, [David] Beckham, Rio [Ferdinand], [John] Terry, [Michael] Owen when he was at his peak.
"But Scholes was a playmaker, finisher, defending he wasn’t the best in the world but he could do it. He was a brilliant football player."
Zinedine Zidane once said Scholes was the best player in the world: “He’s almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get.
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“One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career."
Zidane was then asked by a reporter: "What does it feel like to be the best player in the world?"
To which he responded: "I don’t know, ask Paul Scholes."
Current Barcelona manager Xavi has claimed players around the world loved Scholes: “He was 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.
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“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.”