Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard are three of the best midfielders ever produced in the Premier League, becoming legends for Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea, respectively. The three Englishmen changed the game and are widely thought to be the best players ever.
Being so equally matched, the three are often compared by fans, who like to debate which one of them is the better midfielder. It is one of the most asked questions and now Pep Guardiola himself has answered it.
Pep Guardiola picks his favourite midfielder
Having seen lots of success as a player and manager, Pep Guardiola definitely knows a thing or two about being a great midfielder. Recently, he spoke with Manchester United’s former legendary defender, Rio Ferdinand, on his YouTube channel, ‘Rio Ferdinand Presents Five‘.
Speaking with Rio, the English defender couldn’t resist asking Pep the ages old question of who is better among Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard. Pep hesitated for a while before humbly choosing Scholes over the rest, “All respect to Frank [Lampard], to Steven [Gerrard] but Paul Scholes is my favourite one.” This is despite Pep being a Manchester City manager, a direct rival of Scholes’s United.
He did respect the abilities and impact of Lampard and Gerrard, but for him Scholes is the obvious choice. “I love it. I think he had everything but the other two, come on, Frank and Steven Gerrard changed this. Paul Scholes is my favourite.”
It is evident that Pep, who is speculated of becoming the next England National Team manager, admires Scholes a lot just by looking at his face when he answered the question. He had previously called Scholes ‘the best midfielder of his generation’ before facing him in the 2011 UCL final with Barcelona, which Pep won.
While statistically, Lampard and Gerrard are better than Scholes, the United legend was simply too majestic and magical with the ball. He is also the most decorated among them, with 25 trophies.
Pep Guardiola wants Joshua Kimmich reunion
However, more sensational news have now come out. Bayern Munich superstar Joshua Kimmich is now linked with a move to Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola wanting a reunion with his former player. The club are reportedly confident that the German midfielder will want to join them next summer.
Pep Guardiola and Kimmich have good history, with the former a coach of Bayern between 2013 and 2016. The two had a special relationship during that time, with the player making his debut under the Spaniard. The 28 year old is considered one of the best by Pep himself and would be a great addition to an already star studded City team.
Currently, Kimmich will see his contract with Bayern expire in 2025, and he now wants to leave the next summer. This is due to the player feeling unsettled at the team under manager Thomas Tuchel, and by not signing a new contract, Kimmich could force a move through.
It remains to be seen what happens with the transfer, with Pep now focused on his next game with City on Saturday against Brighton.
