Rio Ferdinand agrees Liverpool released a midfielder who could play just like Paul Scholes

When it comes to the technical brilliance shown by Premier League midfielders, not many are on Paul Scholes’ level when it comes to elegance in the centre of the park.

However, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was reminded that one star did come close to his former Red Devils teammate in terms of brilliance.

Paul Scholes made 718 professional appearances for the Old Trafford outfit, all coming in the Sir Alex Ferguson era, winning an incredible 11 top-flight titles, five domestic cups, two Champions League titles and various other trophies, seeing him arguably in the all-time XI for the Premier League.

But Ferdinand, whilst waxing lyrical about his teammate, was reminded that Liverpool icon Thiago Alcantara was similar to Scholes for one aspect in the technical battle.

Rio Ferdinand names Liverpool cult hero Thiago in the same bracket as Man United legend Paul Scholes

Currently acting as Barcelona’s assistant manager, Thiago moved to Liverpool when he was 29 years of age from Bayern Munich after seven years in Germany.

Although he only featured in 98 games for the club, he managed to win the FA Cup and League Cup in the 2021-22 season.

But even in his sparse time on the pitch over his four-year spell, he showed more than enough glimpses to be compared to Scholes.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the 81-cap England star said: “Do you know what my favourite Scholesy move was that used to send defenders west?

“I don’t see anybody in the current game doing it whatsoever. He would have a little body feint towards the ball as it was coming towards him, let it roll across, let it run, and then pick it up.

“Oh my… he’s took two players out [before he has] touched the ball! But you know why you don’t see that often? Because it’s so hard to do.

“You’re taking your body weight over and past the ball from where it came from, and then it’s on your weak foot ninety-nine times out of ten, or most of the time. So your next touch is with your weakest foot to set you up to then pass.

“That’s what Scholes’ normal run was. He gets that yard. But Scholesy wouldn’t want them to take two or three touches—it’s ‘smash it straight away’ or take one first time.

“So it was such a hard skill to do, but you’ve got to have awareness, touch, spatial awareness as well. And then the weight of the ball’s got to be right.”

However, Ferdinand later agreed that Liverpool midfielder Thiago was close to being on Scholes’ level when it came to that aspect of the game, with the Spain international being one of the more technical midfielders of the recent Premier League era.

When reminded that Thiago was also capable of doing Scholes’ trademark move under pressure, Ferdinand said: “Oh yeah, Thiago was good.”

Liverpool were in the height of their Jurgen Klopp era when Thiago joined. But, despite stars such as Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah being the crown of their attack, the Spaniard was equally a joy to watch.

Thiago’s excellence will be remembered by Liverpool fans for years to come

There were a number of defining moments for Thiago, but his Liverpool highlight was undoubtedly his strike against Porto in the Champions League.

The goal really defied all logic. With the ball being headed out from a corner, the midfield maestro hit it on the half-volley, appearing to not even skim the grass and beat Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa all ends up.

But beyond that, Thiago was simply a footballing purist. It wasn’t necessarily the assists he garnered, the goals he scored or the trophies he lifted. His casual demeanour at passing the ball around the pitch was mesmerising, making it look too easy.

Liverpool eventually released him due to injury woes, having made just one appearance in his final season for the club – and that turned out to be his last in professional football as he retired shortly after.

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