Paul Scholes Names the Arsenal Player Who’s Outperformed Declan Rice
Paul Scholes has sparked debate by questioning whether Declan Rice has truly been Arsenal’s standout performer this season.
The former Manchester United legend believes the Gunners’ defensive players, particularly Jurrien Timber, have had a greater overall influence on the team’s impressive campaign so far.
Has Declan Rice Been Arsenal’s Best Player This Season?
Rice has been a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s midfield, contributing to Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table, currently leading by four points (with a chance to extend that to seven with a win over Manchester United on Sunday).
Despite his consistent performances, Scholes is not convinced Rice is the league’s top player or even Arsenal’s most influential.
Speaking on The Overlap fan debate, Scholes said:
“Has Declan Rice been that special this year? I really like him, but I’m struggling to see that he is the best player in the league at this point. I think your defenders have probably had a bigger influence than Declan Rice.”
Jurrien Timber: The ‘Unbelievable’ Standout According to Scholes
Scholes singled out Jurrien Timber as the Arsenal player who has impressed him the most, describing his performances as “unbelievable” and “brilliant.” The defender’s impact has been highlighted as more significant than Rice’s contributions in midfield.
“I just think your defenders have had a bigger influence, the likes of Timber. I think Timber has been unbelievable. I think he has been brilliant.”
Scholes also compared Rice to new signing Martin Zubimendi, suggesting the two midfielders are on a similar level without one clearly outperforming the other.
“I couldn’t say Zubimendi has been better than Rice or Rice has been better than Zubimendi.”
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Jamie Carragher on Arsenal’s Lack of Standout Attackers
Jamie Carragher echoed some of Scholes’ sentiments, expressing surprise that Arsenal — despite their dominant league position — lack a clear standout in attack. He pointed to Gabriel Magalhaes as potentially the most influential player earlier in the season, particularly for his set-piece contributions and role in Arsenal’s strong defensive record.
Carragher noted:
“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.”
He added that when selecting a team of the season so far, he included no Arsenal players in the front four (choosing Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Semenyo, and Morgan Rogers instead), highlighting the unusual spread of influence across the squad for a title-chasing side.
Scholes’ comments underscore how Arsenal’s success this season has been built on collective strength, with defenders like Timber playing a pivotal role beyond the headlines often given to midfield stars like Rice.
Also Read: Pep Guardiola Calls Arsenal the Best Team in the World Amid City Slump
Paul Scholes Names the Arsenal Player Who’s Outperformed Declan Rice