'Scholesy would be one of the greatest players... how?'

In an astonishing insight this week, Gary Neville has revealed his belief that Paul Scholes would never make it as a professional footballler.

The two players developed in the Manchester United academy alongside Neville's brother Phil, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham; all whom went on to have excellent careers in Manchester and beyond.

Yet in spite of a career laden with 25 major honours, Paul Scholes was destined to be a failure, or so according to former teammate Gary Neville. 

In an interview with the 'Quickly Kevin, Will He Score?' podcast, Neville said: "'If you said to me at 12, 13, Scholesy would be one of the greatest players... how? He was so small, so slight. He didn't have great energy. He had no strength. You could knock him off the ball because he was really slight. He had asthma. He couldn't really run very far. He wasn't quick, he never beat you for pace." 

Neville continued: "So you saw qualities in every single player. And then you look at Scholesey, obviously he was tidy on the ball, but you think how can he? He can't cope. Physically he can't cope with everything that's going on around him."

Now, looking back on the marvellous careers both men enjoyed, it is hard to see how Neville's assessment of a young Scholes would link in any way to the player that graced the very top of the game for 18 years. 

This was not always the case though, as Neville revealed that Scholes would often be overlooked in the junior county squads during their development. 

Neville added: "He sort of didn't really get into the county team. Didn't really play a lot of games. In the first year in 1992 he didn't even play in the youth team. All of a sudden the year after, I think that was the point where he stopped drinking beer, and stopped eating pies on a Friday. "

 

November 13, 2018

However in spite of his teammates doubts, Scholes had the backing of the main men at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Kidd. 

Furthermore, in spite of his reservations as a young player, there is no doubt in Neville's mind that his former teammate is among the best to have ever played the game.

Scholes' admirers span the world over, none other than legends Xavi and Zinedine Zidane have spoken of their admiration for the Englishman.

Neville also made sure to add his words of praise, saying: "'I get to the end of my career and I say he's the best player that I ever played with. So you think of that jump of being a 13, 14-year-old when you first see him. Small kid with no strength, not great stamina, can't really run that fast, to becoming the best player I've ever played with – that's a big shift." 

Of course, Neville and Scholes are still good friends today, and are now co-owners of football league club Salford City, who they share stewardship of with other 'Class of 92' members Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.

 

November 13, 2018