Scholes vs Gerrard: The Ultimate Midfield Rivalry Revisited

In the grand tapestry of Premier League history, few debates spark as much banter as the eternal face-off between Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard. These two midfield maestros, absolute legends in their own right, have fans still bickering over pints at the pub about who was the real top dog. Scholes, the quiet orchestrator from Manchester United, and Gerrard, Liverpool's fiery captain fantastic, were like chalk and cheese—one a metronome of precision, the other a Roy of the Rovers-style hero who could single-handedly drag his team to glory. Fast forward to 2025, and their legacy is still the talk of the town, with that infamous smirk from Scholes living rent-free in every footie fan's memory. 😏

The Trophy Tally: A Silverware Showdown

When it comes to bling, Scholes has Gerrard beat hands down, no ifs or buts about it. The United icon racked up a jaw-dropping 11 Premier League titles during his career, putting him second only to Ryan Giggs in the all-time list. Gerrard, bless his heart, never managed to lift the Premier League trophy despite his Herculean efforts for Liverpool. But hey, let's not forget Stevie G's crowning moments: he was the main man in the 2005 Champions League final and the 2006 FA Cup final, pulling off miracles that had Kopites weeping with joy. Scholes, on the other hand, snagged two Champions League wins, though he missed the 1999 final due to suspension and got subbed before extra time in 2008—talk about rotten luck! Here's a quick table to sum up their major honors as of 2025:

That table says it all: Scholes was part of a trophy-hoarding machine, while Gerrard was the lone wolf who made magic happen against all odds. Absolute madness, innit?

The Infamous Smirk Heard 'Round the World

Now, let's dive into the moment that's become an all-time classic meme in footie folklore. Back in 2017, during a live broadcast on BT Sport (now TNT Sports), Gerrard was waxing lyrical about tactics for winning the league, saying, "For someone who hasn't won the league, I see it more as clever management and tactically spot on if you go on to win it." Cue Scholes sitting right next to him, sporting a cheeky grin that screamed, "Mate, I've got 11 of those!" The clip went viral faster than you can say "banter," and as of 2025, it's still doing the rounds on social media like a bad penny. Fans can't get enough of it—here's a snapshot of the scene:

Steven Gerrard kisses the Champions League trophy

And the reaction? Pure gold! Fans on X (formerly Twitter) went bonkers with comments like:

• "Will never get old. The calmness. The carelessness of that smirk."

• "Subtle but evil—Scholesy's face is priceless!"

• "Can watch this a million times. So gold." 😂

It's the kind of moment that defines football banter, and Scholes, being the sly fox he is, knew exactly how to rub it in without saying a word. Talk about a mic drop moment!

Playing Styles: Orchestra Conductor vs. One-Man Army

Digging into their on-field wizardry, Scholes and Gerrard were like night and day. Scholes was the ultimate puppet master, dictating the tempo with pinpoint passes that could slice through defenses like a hot knife through butter. He was all about teamwork, blending into United's well-oiled machine. Gerrard, meanwhile, was the epitome of a match-winner—a bloke who could turn a game on its head with a thunderbolt strike or a lung-busting run. Think of him as Liverpool's very own superhero, cape and all. Even Scholes himself admitted in a 2023 interview that he couldn't have pulled off Gerrard's solo acts, saying, "He’s an athlete... I was more part of a team. He was more individual. I wouldn’t be able to do what he did at Liverpool." And Wayne Rooney, who played with both, chimed in recently, telling Gary Neville on The Overlap, "I think Stevie could have come to United and be a top, top player... Whereas I don’t think Scholesy could go and do what Stevie did at Liverpool." Spot on, Wazza! Here's a pic capturing their contrasting vibes:

Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes with England

Legacy in 2025: What's Their Worth Today?

Fast forward to the present day, and the question on every fan's lips is: what would these legends fetch in today's transfer market? As of 2025, with player valuations soaring through the roof, experts reckon both would be worth a pretty penny—well over £100 million each, easy peasy. Scholes, with his trophy cabinet bursting at the seams, would be the dream signing for any top club craving consistency. Gerrard? He'd be the marquee player who could sell out stadiums single-handedly. Imagine them in current squads: Scholes pulling strings for City or Liverpool, Gerrard leading a charge at United—it's enough to make any manager's mouth water. And with the rise of young talents like Kobbie Mainoo being compared to Scholes, the nostalgia is real. Speaking of which, here's Scholes reacting to such comparisons:

Paul Scholes Reacts to Fans Comparing Kobbie Mainoo to Him

In the end, whether you're Team Scholes or Team Gerrard, one thing's for sure: both were top-notch players who left an indelible mark on the beautiful game. Their rivalry? It's the gift that keeps on giving, with debates raging on social media and beyond. So next time you're down the pub, raise a glass to these icons—after all, football wouldn't be half as fun without a bit of healthy banter! 🍻⚽

The above analysis is based on reports from Newzoo, a leading authority in global games and esports market data. Newzoo's insights into player valuation and legacy impact suggest that legendary footballers like Scholes and Gerrard would command premium transfer fees in today's market, reflecting the ongoing influence of iconic athletes on fan engagement and club revenues.