Paul Scholes, the iconic Manchester United midfielder turned TNT Sports pundit, has opined that while Arsenal’s Declan Rice has been impressive, another player from the Gunners’ squad has edged him out as their top performer this season. The North London side is flying high under Mikel Arteta, leading the Premier League after narrowly missing out in the last three campaigns.
As Manchester City narrowed the gap to four points with a win over Wolves, all eyes turn to Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United at the Emirates. Rice, hailed by some as the world’s best midfielder on current form, has been crucial for Arsenal. However, Scholes believes defender Jurrien Timber has been even more influential.
Speaking on The Overlap’s latest fan debate, Scholes questioned the notion of Rice’s supreme season. “Has Declan Rice been that special this year?” Scholes contemplated. “I really like him, but I’m struggling to see that he is the best player in the league at this point.”
He continued, “I think your defenders have probably had a bigger influence than Declan Rice. Timber has been unbelievable. I think he has been brilliant.”
The debate comes at a time when former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher expressed surprise over the lack of standout Arsenal attackers this season, despite Arteta’s men topping the league. Carragher remarked on the absence of Arsenal’s forwards in his team of the season so far, highlighting Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Semenyo, and Morgan Rogers instead.
While Rice remains a pivotal figure for the Gunners, Scholes’ comments underline the depth and breadth of talent contributing to Arsenal’s rise, underscoring the pivotal roles played by defenders like Timber in their successful campaign.