Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt Agree on Who the Best Player of Their Generation Was

Iconic Manchester United midfielders Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt were both in agreement as to who the best player of the generation was.

The pair met on the Football’s Greatest pod as they discussed European nights, the infamous away game at Galatasaray and their trip to Brazil in 2000 last October.

Scholes and Butt also chatted about the greatest player of their era, and for a Manchester United time that dominated domestic and continental action under Sir Alex Ferguson, they faced a number of high-profile stars.

And Scholes posed a difficult question to Butt, asking: “Who do you think was the best?”

Ronaldo was "of a different planet"

Butt quickly lavished praise upon former Barcelona, Inter and Brazil striker Ronaldo, replying: “For me personally, the player that I played against and I went ‘Oh my God! It’s of a different planet’ was R9, Ronaldo.

“Some of the stuff he used to do. Remember we played England against him, we played Real Madrid against him, Inter Milan. Do you remember he’d been injured for like 18 months, unbelievable.”

Butt, a midfielder by trade, never went head-to-head with striker Ronaldo, and instead picked another in his position as the best he’s played against.

“But because I wasn’t up against him, thankfully, I wouldn’t pick him, but he’s my favourite player,” Butt continued.

Zidane was the best

“The best player I’ve ever played against, and the best team in that time, was definitely [Zinedine] Zidane in that Juventus team.

“I remember the manager said to me once, the first game I played against him, he said: ‘He’s passed it, he’s too old now, get against him, run off him.’

“And I swear to God, I was up next to him, and he’s about six foot two; I thought 'right well, I’m gonna outrun you'. He beat me in a race. And then I’m just gonna get against him and tackle him. He just elbowed me out the way

“And then when he got the ball, it was just like a genius.”

Zidane went on to enjoy great success for both club and country, including a 1998 World Cup win, where holders France beat Brazil in the final.

The Frenchman also shone as a manager, enjoy two-trophy laden spells as Real Madrid head coach.

Zidane set for return to management?

Zidane, though, has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in May 2021 and despite rumours of a return to management, the former midfielder is still yet take on his next role.

Reports suggest that Zidane is being lined up to succeed Didier Deschamps as France boss when the former Juventus and Marseille head coach leaves his Les Bleus role after the 2026 World Cup.

France got their World Cup qualifying campaign underway with a 2-0 win over Ukraine courtesy of goals from Michael Olise and Kylian Mbappe either side of half time on Friday night.