The Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has said that he regards the Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes to be the best midfielder in the world over the last two decades. It is an extremely surprising comment to come from the Barcelona midfielder, who is often regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world. The 32-year-old Spanish international has been instrumental in not only helping the Barcelona team win numerous titles over the last four seasons, but he has also been extremely good for the Spanish national team as well. Paul Scholes has had a lot of success with Manchester United, but they are not comparable with the achievements of the Spaniard.

Yet, Xavi feels that Paul Scholes is the most complete midfielder he has seen over the last two decades. This is because he can do everything that is necessary from an attacking midfielder – pass, shoot, and score goals. Scholes was regarded as one of the ideal example when it came to a midfielder scoring goals because of his timed runs into the box. He is also known for a ferocious long-range effort, while his exceptional passing skills also needs to be mentioned. Due to his age, Scholes has now been playing as a defence midfielder for Manchester United with the occasional foray forward.

“In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen – the most complete – is Scholes. It’s a different culture that values different things. Here if they see you are afraid when you are in possession then you get whistled. It’s the world in reverse. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything,” said 32-year-old Barcelona midfielder. The former French midfielder Zidane also has paid tribute to Paul Scholes in the past.

The Barcelona midfielder Xavi has said that he feels that the Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas should be one of the candidates capable of winning the FIFA Ballon d’Or award this year. No goalkeeper has previously lifted this award, but the Barcelona midfielder reckons that it is time people start to appreciate the achievements of Iker Casillas both at club and international level. The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been hugely successful in his career after winning all the major trophies with Real Madrid, while he also has one World Cup and two European Championship titles with the Spanish national team.

This makes him one of the most successful footballers in the world. As a result, the jury that gives out in the FIFA Ballon d’Or every year to the most successful player should take into consideration the achievements of Iker Casillas. Normally, defenders and goalkeepers do not win this award, but the former Real Madrid and Italy defender Cannavaro is the only person to have lifted this award. Iker Casillas comes on the back of a hugely successful season that not only saw him lift the league title with Real Madrid, but also the European championship with the Spanish national team as well.

“It’s true that he’s a bit boring. He is the type of player who unites a team, though. I don’t think there’s any need to discuss his footballing qualities. Evidently Iker should be among the candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. I think that had a lot to do with it. There was more tension than was normal and I’m sure that the way we eased that tension helped us win this prize. We just spoke about the issues and then that was it,” said Xavi in recent interview. Real Madrid and Barcelona share an extreme rivalry that stretches many years.