Scholes one of the best ever - Kovacic

Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes is one of the 'best ever' midfielders, according to Chelsea's on-loan Croatia international Mateo Kovacic.

Scholes won a multitude of trophies at Manchester United, making over 700 appearances for the club, and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation.

And Kovacic, who is on loan at Chelsea from Real Madrid, believes he can still learn from Scholes as he bids to settle into the Premier League, and regularly watches videos of the United legend.

“Every player has to be himself— but for me Scholes was one of the best ever. He was amazing. I still enjoy watching his videos on YouTube,” he told The Sun .

“Sometimes I go home and watch him to learn something new. He had everything, he was the modern midfielder — scoring goals, defending well, tackling.

“I don’t copy anybody but I do like to watch Scholes. I also watch other players to see what I can do better. Players like Luka Modric and Andres Iniesta, too.”

And Scholes’ goalscoring record in particular is something Kovacic is keen to translate into his own game.

“That is the problem in my career, I have not scored enough — and it’s something I need to improve on,” he said.

Having spent long spells on the bench in Madrid, Kovacic is happier with the game-time he has received thus far, having featured much more regularly since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

He said “It was difficult when I was playing less – now I am involved more and it helps me a lot. I was 18 when I went to Inter and then Madrid at 21. Maybe it was a bit too fast.

“Alvaro [Morata] told me Chelsea are on the same level as Madrid. The fans can expect me to always give 100 per cent. I will do my best to play good football for them.”