Eidur rates Scholes above Ron

Former Chelsea striker believes old heads will prove vital

Last updated: 20th April 2008

Eidur Gudjohnsen

Gudjohnsen: Scholes fan

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Eidur Gudjohnsen has warned his Barcelona team-mates that Paul Scholes will be more of a threat than Cristiano Ronaldo in their UEFA Champions League semi-final clash.

With Ronaldo and Lionel Messi rated by many as the world's best players at present, it has been suggested that their form will play a major role in deciding which side progresses to the final.

However, Gudjohnsen believes that old heads like Scholes and Ryan Giggs will take on a more influential role in the tie than Ronaldo and Messi.

"It's not about these two players," he told the Sunday Mirror. "If it was, we could put them in a boxing ring and let them fight it out.

"I'm more an admirer of Paul Scholes than I am of Ronaldo. Ronaldo is a fantastic player, but he has 10 other great players around him every week.

"Scholes is one of the most complete footballers I've ever seen. His one-touch play is phenomenal. Whenever I have played against him, I never felt I could get close to him."

He added: "Of course players like Ronaldo and Messi can change a game with one bit of skill, but there's a lot of hysteria about them and the tie will be all about which of us plays better as a team.

"That is why Scholes and Ryan Giggs are both very influential. When I was in England, I watched them closely and I saw that what they both do for United is phenomenal."

Form

Barcelona have been in disappointing form in La Liga this season, but they remain unbeaten in Europe and Gudjohnsen believes they can overcome the Premier League champions.

"League form will not count for anything. We have been inconsistent this season and I can't put my finger on why that is, but it will be a battle of two contrasting styles.

"We are good technically and, like most British teams, they are more physical, but both sides play great football.

"I am confident we can beat them."