Real Madrid Boss Zinedine Zidane Names Toughest Opponent He Played Against In His Legendary Career

Zinedine Zidane has admitted that Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was an "extremely tough opponent to play against" in his illustrious playing career.

The 48-year-old Frenchman is widely considered as one of the best midfielders of all time alongside the likes of Scholes.

Zidane's legendary playing career saw him capture a La Liga title and the Champions League during his time at Real Madrid.

And the Ballon d'Or winner, who also won two Serie A titles with Juventus, also lifted the World Cup and Euros with France on the international stage.

Zidane said that Scholes was "in a class of his own" and one of his "regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career."

The Madrid boss told The Daily Mirror: "It's only natural to want to select your best players and there is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own.

"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.

"One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career."

Scholes, 45, spent his entire extraordinary club playing career at Old Trafford as he lifted 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Champions Leagues.

Zidane went on to explain why the former England international was the "type of player you want on your side."

The World Cup winner said: "He was an extremely tough opponent to play against.

"You didn't get any time on the ball when he was around. He would close you down and make your life terribly uncomfortable.

"He is the type of player you want on your side, not in opposition because he could do so much damage.

"He is very gifted. He makes the game look easy because he's so much natural ability."

Football icon David Beckham was once asked who he thought was the better player out of Zidane and Scholes.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Paul Scholes, Los Blancos, Football News, Football, Manchester United, red devils, Premier League, Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, La Liga

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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