Thierry Henry took on plenty of great players during more than 250 Premier League appearances for Arsenal.
The French striker faced off against the league’s all-time record goalscorer Alan Shearer, record appearance-maker Ryan Giggs, elite defenders such as Rio Ferdinand and top quality midfielders Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Roy Keane.
But the man who Henry singled out as the best player he played against is none of those men.
Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Speaking on Sky Sports‘ Super Sunday broadcast, Henry singled out Paul Scholes as “the best player I’ve played against”, as transcribed by Metro.
But he couldn’t resist a cheeky pop at one of the aspects of Scholes’ game for which the former England man received plenty of attention.
“People used to say he couldn’t tackle and he knew exactly what he was doing,” Henry said.
Scholes ended his Premier League career with 99 yellow cards – only Gareth Barry and Lee Bowyer have amassed more – but for every criticism of his inability to tackle there was a fair bit of praise for his ability to channel his aggression and, more often than not, stay on the pitch.
United fans seemed happy to see a former rival pay tribute to a fan favourite.
henry there now on scholes.. "best player ive played with and against" 😎 #scholsey #Maestro
— Emmett Mc Daid (@Emmettmcdaid1) February 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/Punpuff/status/835839860346880000
https://twitter.com/JamesLowden/status/835839549016256512
Still, there’s always one nay-sayer.
Thierry Henry just said the best player he played against in the Prem was Paul Scholes, when actually it's Roy Keane. Ballsy move.
— Daniel Harris (@DanielHarris) February 26, 2017
robertredmond [2:59 PM]
Catch up with this week’s episode of 888sport Football Friday Live
