Manchester United legend Paul Scholes claims Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali is the best midfielder currently playing in the Premier League.

Some have been waxing lyrical about Moises Caicedo’s form for Chelsea after his goal against Liverpool at the weekend. However, Scholes claims he much prefers “other types” of midfielders; ones that can control the game like Alexis Mac Allister and the Italian international:

“I love Sandro Tonali as well. He’s been brilliant. Very good. I would probably choose Tonali at this point.”

When asked whether he deems Tonali to be the best in the Premier League, Scholes replied:

“Yes, you’re going to say Declan Rice but I think he’s better than Rice. 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 just don’t think he does it enough. I prefer Tonali but they’re both good players.”

Tonali has established himself at Newcastle

A lot was made of the €70m fee that the Magpies paid for the midfielder back in the summer of 2023, and his chance to make a big impression was taken away from him after he was handed a lengthy ban for betting infringements.

Tonali had to wait until the following campaign to make his mark, and he played an influential role as Eddie Howe’s side finished 5th and qualified for the Champions League.

He has been linked with a move back to Italy

Ever since he made the switch to St James’ Park, there has been speculation that Tonali could return home.

The latest rumours suggest that the 25-year-old’s agent, Giuseppe Riso, has met with officials from Juventus. Considering how highly rated Tonali is, it’s very unlikely that the Serie A club have the necessary funds to sign him.

Read more about the Newcastle United First Team Squad for 2025/26 here