Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has sparked debate by questioning whether Declan Rice has truly been Arsenal's standout performer this season, instead highlighting the "unbelievable" contributions of defender Jurrien Timber.
Scholes Casts Doubt on Rice's Premier League Status
Speaking on The Overlap's latest fan debate, Scholes expressed admiration for Rice but challenged the notion that the England international has been the league's best player. "Has Declan Rice been that special this year?" Scholes pondered. "I really like him, but I'm struggling to see that he is the best player in the league at this point."
The eleven-time Premier League winner suggested that Arsenal's defensive unit has actually had a greater impact on their campaign. "I think your defenders have probably had a bigger influence than Declan Rice," Scholes stated, specifically praising Timber's performances.
Timber Earns High Praise from United Legend
Scholes was particularly effusive about Dutch defender Jurrien Timber, who has become instrumental in Mikel Arteta's side. "I think Timber has been unbelievable. I think he has been brilliant," Scholes remarked, emphasising the defender's significant role in Arsenal's defensive solidity.
Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by four points over Manchester City, with the opportunity to extend that advantage to seven points with a victory against Manchester United this Sunday. Their defensive record has been a cornerstone of their success this term.
Midfield Comparison and Attacking Observations
Scholes also discussed the midfield dynamic, noting that Martin Zubimendi has been equally crucial alongside Rice in Arsenal's engine room. "I couldn't say Zubimendi has been better than Rice or Rice has been better than Zubimendi," Scholes commented, suggesting the pair have formed a balanced partnership.
Meanwhile, fellow pundit Jamie Carragher expressed surprise at the lack of standout performers in Arsenal's attacking line. Carragher revealed that when selecting his team of the season so far, he didn't include any Arsenal forwards in his front four, opting instead for Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Antoine Semenyo, and Morgan Rogers.
Defensive Influence Takes Centre Stage
Carragher echoed Scholes' sentiment about Arsenal's defensive importance, recalling earlier praise for Gabriel Magalhaes. "I actually thought, not the best player, but Gabriel was the most influential player in the Premier League with what he was doing at set-pieces and Arsenal's defensive record," Carragher noted.
The discussion highlights how Arsenal's success this season appears built more on defensive resilience and midfield control than individual attacking brilliance, despite their commanding position at the top of the table.
As the title race intensifies, these observations from experienced football pundits provide intriguing perspective on which players are truly driving Arsenal's championship challenge, with defenders receiving unexpected but warranted recognition for their contributions.
