Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has paid a glowing tribute to Manchester United icon Paul Scholes.
To this day Zidane's declaration that Scholes was his toughest opponent is used as the ultimate tribute to the United star.
Assessing Fabio Capello's latest move to woo Scholes, Zidane told the Sunday Mirror: "It's only natural to want to select your best players and there is no doubt for me that Paul Scholes is still in a class of his own.
"He's almost untouchable in what he does. I never tire of watching him play. You rarely come across the complete footballer, but Scholes is as close to it as you can get.
"One of my regrets is that the opportunity to play alongside him never presented itself during my career."
Zidane's status as the greatest midfielder of the past 20 years remains unchallenged.
He mixed breath-taking skills and a lethal eye for goal with a physical power that few opponents could live with.
Physically he stood head and shoulders above Scholes, but in terms of football skills and savvy he regards the Old Trafford hero as his equal. Zidane went on: "He was an extremely tough opponent to play against. You didn't get any time on the ball when he was around. He would close you down and make your life terribly uncomfortable.
"He is the type of player you want on your side, not in opposition because he could do so much damage.
"He is very gifted. He makes the game look easy because he's so much natural ability."
There is no doubt Scholes's decision to call time on his international career was a contributing factor in his on-going success at United.
Zidane said: "It has enabled him to solely concentrate on club football which has undoubtedly extended his domestic playing career.
"You have to adapt as you get older. You don't have strength and energy in abundance. You have to compensate for you age and listen to your body."
