Declan Rice Arsenal truth clear despite Paul Scholes criticism

Paul Scholes may need to re-think his view on Declan Rice as the Englishman tops an eye-opening stat following criticism from the Manchester United legend.

Scholes faced backlash after leaving Rice out of his list of top five Premier League players. Speaking on , the 11-time Premier League winner said:: "I get slagged off for this, but I did a top five the other week, and because I don't put people like [Moises] Caicedo and Declan Rice, because I like a different type of midfielder.

"I like a Vitinha at PSG, I think he's brilliant - he's amazing. I thought [Alexis] Mac Allister last year, at Liverpool, was brilliant; now he's not started great this year.

• Five Arsenal stars set to return this month as Norway boss issues Martin Odegaard injury update
• Andrea Berta masterstroke vindicated as Arsenal star breaks 10-year record

"But I like that more, not so much attacking midfielder, but maybe that more controlling one who can do a bit of everything, not just the defensive one who just gets around it and might score the odd goal here and there, I like the more progressive type."

Although Scholes believes Rice isn’t as much of a "progressive" midfielder, the stats suggest otherwise. According to Squawka, Arsenal’s No.41 leads all Premier League players for big chances created in all competitions in 2025.

Rice tops the list with 23, followed closely by Liverpool's Mohamed Salah with 21. Other midfielders to feature include Bruno Fernandes (6th), Martin Odegaard (8th), and Dominik Szoboszlai(9th).

One player who doesn't appear, however, is Sandro Tonali - the Newcastle midfielder Scholes ranked higher than Rice.

"I think he's better than Rice," the 50-year-old continued. "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."

The Arsenal midfielder has racked up two goals and four assists in 16 games this season. His Newcastle counterpart has yet to score but has provided three assists in 14 appearances.

Rice has also featured in all four of England’s games this season, scoring against Andorra and providing two assists in the Three Lions’ 5–0 win over Serbia.

Despite that, Scholes still prioritises Jude Bellingham, who hasn’t featured so far this season under Thomas Tuchel, over the Arsenal star.

He continued: "Bellingham has to be in there just because of his goals, ain't he? Not just for his goals, he's a good player.

"I'm trying to think of a midfield player, but my mind's gone blank. I know there's Declan Rice, and people say; 'You didn't have Declan Rice in your top-five', because he's not my type of midfield player."