Paul Scholes picks best Premier League midfielder and it's not Moises Caicedo or Declan Rice

Ex-footballer turned pundit Paul Scholes has explained why Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo aren't the best Premier League midfielders. (Image: The Overlap on YouTube)

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has revealed his preference for Newcastle United ace Sandro Tonali ahead of both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.

Following his £55million switch to St James' Park, Tonali has cemented his place among the Premier League's elite midfield operators. The Italy international has become a pivotal figure under Eddie Howe - and was instrumental in securing Champions League qualification last term.

He featured in 45 matches, across all competitions, as the Magpies ended their silverware wait by grabbing the Carabao Cup. Having progressed through AC Milan's youth system before making the move to England, Tonali is now considered among the Premier League's finest midfield talents.

Scholes has confessed to being thoroughly impressed by his performances, too, placing him above both Rice and Caicedo in his estimations. Rice has earned recognition as one of Europe's premier players in the position since his £105million transfer from West Ham to Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Caicedo, who arrived from Brighton for £115m in 2023, has begun to vindicate his substantial fee under Enzo Maresca's guidance in the past 18 months. Over the weekend, he netted a sensational strike against Liverpool from distance.

Moises Caicedo celebrates putting Chelsea ahead against Liverpool. (Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)

Nevertheless, Scholes maintains that Tonali leads the pack in the Premier League. When questioned about his pick for the division's finest midfielder, he responded on The Overlap : "Right now? That's tough."

"I still don't class Moises Caicedo as an all-round midfield player. I know he scored a great goal and was brilliant the other day.

"I got some stick last year after having a go at him, and I almost thought about taking that back, because he was brilliant in the Club World Cup. I just prefer the controlling type of midfield players who play with a bit more style and can score goals a bit more often than Caicedo.

"It was a brilliant goal against Liverpool, but you wouldn't surprised if he didn't do that again for another 18 months, would you? He's one of the best at what he does which is breaking up the play, he's brilliant at that. But I prefer the other types.

"Alexis Mac Allister was absolutely brilliant last season, and he controlled a lot of games and I think Liverpool are missing that at the moment. I love Sandro Tonali, as well.

"He's been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point."

When asked if he was suggesting Tonali is the top midfielder in the league, he responded: "Yes, you're going to say Declan Rice, but I think he's better than Rice. I really like Rice, don't get me wrong, I think he's got everything.

"Sometimes he takes a few too many touches of the ball and tries to look a bit more stylish than necessary. He can do everything, but I don't think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali but they're both good players."