Paul Scholes Claims ‘Unbelievable’ Arsenal Star Has Outshone Declan Rice This Season

Jurrien Timber impact is praised by Paul Scholes, who has rated the Arsenal defender higher than Declan Rice this season.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes claims Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber outperformed Declan Rice during the 2025/26 season, bringing Arsenal’s impact to the forefront.

Speaking on The Overlap fan debate, Scholes questioned whether Rice deserves to be labelled the Premier League’s standout performer, instead pointing to Timber’s influence in Arsenal’s title charge.

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Arsenal currently sit top of the Premier League, holding a four-point advantage over Manchester City while also leading their Champions League group.

Declan Rice has played a central role under Mikel Arteta. Since arriving from West Ham in 2023, the England midfielder has become a leader in midfield. This season, Rice has recorded four goals and three assists in the league, combining defensive solidity with attacking output.

His form has even prompted early Ballon d’Or discussions should Arsenal secure major trophies.

Paul Scholes singles out Jurrien Timber

Despite Rice’s numbers, Scholes remains unconvinced. The former United midfielder argued that Arsenal’s defensive unit has had a greater influence on results.

“Has Declan Rice been that special this year? I really like him, but I’m struggling to see that he is the best player in the league at this point,” Scholes said.

He added:

I think your defenders have probably had a bigger influence than Declan Rice… the likes of Timber. I think Timber has been unbelievable, he has been brilliant.”

Scholes also referenced Martin Zubimendi, suggesting the summer signing has matched Rice’s importance in midfield.

“I couldn’t say Zubimendi has been better than Rice or Rice has been better than Zubimendi,” he noted.

The comment underlined the balance in Arteta’s squad rather than reliance on a single star.

Jurrien Timber has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after recovering from previous injury setbacks. The former Ajax defender has featured across the back line, excelling at both full-back and centre-back.

His composure in possession, tactical intelligence, and ability to progress the ball have been vital. Arsenal boast one of the strongest defensive records in Europe, and Timber’s performances have played a key role in that success.

Collective strength driving Arsenal title push

Scholes’ comments reinforce a growing narrative around Arsenal — their success comes from collective consistency rather than individual dominance.

Alongside Timber and Rice, players such as David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Leandro Trossard have delivered decisive contributions across competitions.

Jamie Carragher recently echoed similar sentiments, previously describing Gabriel Magalhães as one of the league’s most influential players due to Arsenal’s defensive solidity.

With decisive Premier League and Champions League fixtures approaching, discussion around Arsenal’s standout performer will only grow.

Whether Declan Rice reasserts his dominance or Jurrien Timber continues his “unbelievable” form, Arsenal appear well-equipped across the pitch as they chase silverware on multiple fronts.

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