Paul Scholes Says There’s One Thing Stopping Eberechi Eze Being the Premier League’s Best Player

By Trendy News

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has never been one to hand out praise lightly, especially when it comes to modern Premier League footballers. But when Scholes speaks highly of a player, the football world listens. His recent comments about Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze have sparked widespread debate — particularly his claim that there is just one thing preventing Eze from becoming the best player in the Premier League.

Eze’s talent has long been evident. His silky dribbling, vision, and ability to glide past defenders have made him one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in English football. Yet, according to Scholes, raw ability alone is not enough to reach the very top.

What Did Paul Scholes Say About Eberechi Eze?

Speaking during a recent football analysis segment, Scholes praised Eze’s technical quality and creativity but suggested that consistency is the one major factor holding him back.

“Eberechi Eze has everything you’d want in a modern attacking midfielder,” Scholes said. “He’s got flair, balance, composure, and intelligence. But to be the very best in the Premier League, you have to deliver it every single week.”

This observation highlights a recurring theme in discussions around Eze’s career: brilliance in flashes versus sustained dominance across an entire season.

Eberechi Eze’s Rise at Crystal Palace

Since joining Crystal Palace from Queens Park Rangers, Eze has steadily developed into the club’s creative heartbeat. His ability to operate between the lines, carry the ball forward, and create chances from nothing makes him indispensable to Palace’s attacking play.

Under multiple managers, Eze has been given freedom to express himself — drifting wide, cutting inside, and arriving late in the box. His performances against top-six opposition have often been standout moments, showcasing his ability to shine on the biggest stages.

However, injuries and tactical changes have occasionally disrupted his rhythm, something Scholes believes plays a role in his inconsistency.

The One Thing Holding Eze Back: Consistency

According to Scholes, the Premier League’s elite players separate themselves not through moments of brilliance, but through relentless consistency.

“When you look at players like Kevin De Bruyne or Mohamed Salah,” Scholes explained, “they don’t just turn up once a month. They dominate games week in, week out. That’s the difference.”

Eze has games where he looks unplayable — gliding past defenders, scoring spectacular goals, and dictating the tempo. But there are also matches where his influence fades, especially against well-organized defensive sides.

Statistics vs Impact: Where Eze Stands

Statistically, Eze compares well with many top attacking midfielders in the league. His dribbles completed, chances created, and progressive carries place him among the Premier League’s most creative players.

Yet Scholes argues that numbers alone don’t define greatness.

“The best players control games even when they’re not scoring or assisting,” Scholes said. “That’s the next step for Eze.”

Does Team Quality Affect Eze’s Ceiling?

Another factor often discussed is whether playing for Crystal Palace limits Eze’s ability to shine consistently. Unlike players at Manchester City or Arsenal, Eze does not always have the luxury of dominating possession or playing behind elite forwards.

Scholes acknowledged this but insisted that true top-tier players still impose themselves regardless of circumstances.

“Great players find a way,” he noted. “Whether it’s through leadership, movement, or decision-making.”

Could a Move to a Bigger Club Unlock His Full Potential?

With Eze consistently linked to top-six clubs, many believe a transfer could help him reach the level Scholes believes he’s capable of.

A move to a side competing regularly in Europe could offer:

• Better attacking support
• More possession-based football
• Higher-level tactical coaching
• Greater competition pushing consistency

However, Scholes cautioned that such a move also brings pressure.

“At a top club, you don’t get time to drift in and out of games. You’re judged every 90 minutes.”

Eze and the England Question

Eze’s international prospects also hinge on consistency. England manager Gareth Southgate has an abundance of attacking talent, and breaking into the squad requires sustained excellence.

Scholes believes that if Eze can maintain top-level performances throughout a full season, his England place would be unquestionable.

What Eberechi Eze Needs to Do Next

To reach the level of Premier League greats, Scholes outlined several areas for improvement:

• Maintaining intensity for 90 minutes
• Increasing goal contributions across a full season
• Influencing games when space is limited
• Becoming a vocal on-field leader

None of these require a change in talent — only refinement and mentality.

Final Verdict: A Star on the Brink of Greatness

Paul Scholes’ assessment is ultimately a compliment. Few players are described as being just one step away from becoming the Premier League’s best.

Eberechi Eze already has the skill, creativity, and flair to match the league’s elite. If he can add consistency to his game, he could not only become Crystal Palace’s greatest modern player — but one of the Premier League’s defining stars.

As Scholes put it best: “The talent is there. Now it’s about doing it every week.”