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I watched Manchester United's relatively comfortable win over Roma last night in the Champions League and one player stood head and shoulders above the rest for me.
No, not Ronaldo, brilliant as he is, no not Rooney, great player that he undoubtedly is, but the old man of the midfield, Paul Scholes.
United put out a midfield of the exciting young Brazilian, Anderson, Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes. Anderson was then replaced by Owen Hargreaves. So we saw a Brazilian squad player aged 19 and two current England internationals aged 26 and 27, together with the 33 year-old Scholes. Which player was the best? Which player gave a masterclass of passing and moving? Which player made the all important first goal? Yes, it was Paul Scholes every time.
If I was Fabio Capello I would be beating a path to Paul Scholes' door. OK, at thirty-three he might not make it to the 2010 World Cup, but after the shambles of the McClaren era we've got to make sure we get there in the first place.
There is much discussion about England's best midfield pairing. Gerrard and Lampard. Barry, Hargreaves or Carrick. Even Jermaine Jenas is a real possibility. With the possible exception of Gerrard does anyone seriously think that any of those players are better or more effective than Paul Scholes?
I would agree that a couple of years ago it would have been difficult to put Gerrard and Scholes together as they were both very attack minded. With the best will in the world even Scholesy would agree that he doesn't get forward like he used to. He could be a perfect foil for Gerrard over the next twelve months or so.
Fabio Capello wants to play a continental passing game. He wants to keep the ball and probe for gaps and spaces. There is no player in England better at keeping possession and looking to hurt the opposition than Paul Scholes.
Fergie wouldn't be happy and Scholesy may well say no, but Fabio Capello would be doing England a disservice if he didn't at least pick up the phone and try.
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