Scholes, widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, made the surprise selection after Gary Neville previously hailed Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as the league’s standout player.

Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan in 2023 for £55 million, has endured a turbulent time in English football but continues to impress with his passing range and tactical awareness. Scholes’ endorsement comes despite competition from star performers such as Declan Rice, Rodri, and Bruno Fernandes  each of whom has strong claims to the title of the league’s top midfielder.

Mirror Football reporters and fans quickly weighed in. James Whaling and Dan Marsh both backed Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who has been instrumental in the Gunners’ title push, contributing 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season.

Rice’s leadership and consistency have made him a mainstay under Mikel Arteta, with many arguing that his £105 million transfer fee now looks like value for money.

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch also earned praise for his transformation under Arne Slot, registering six goals and five assists in 2025 alone. At just 23, the Dutchman has become one of the most complete midfielders in the league, combining power, vision, and composure prompting comparisons with Yaya Touré in his prime.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Rodri remains the statistical benchmark, boasting a 92% pass completion rate and averaging 3.4 tackles per match before his injury.

However, his limited appearances this season have opened the door for challengers like Rice and Gravenberch to shine. Some pundits argue that no midfielder matches Rodri’s influence when fit, pointing to City’s drop in form during his absence.

Scholes’ pick of Tonali, however, emphasizes the importance of creativity and control beyond just numbers. “He can dictate play, break lines, and control the tempo that’s what I value most in a midfielder,” Scholes reportedly said. His words have reignited the debate about what defines a truly great Premier League midfielder consistency, impact, or pure technical brilliance.

With the season entering its decisive months, the battle for midfield supremacy remains fierce. Whether Scholes’ bold pick stands the test of time or Rice and Rodri reclaim the throne, one thing is certain: the Premier League is experiencing a golden era of midfield talent.