3. Paul Scholes
There is a reason why Paul Scholes has been labelled The Ginger Genius by the Manchester United faithful, a nickname that few opposing fans would disagree with even if they are fervently hostile towards the Red Devils. Scholes is nearing his 38th birthday and is still bailing out his team when they appear to be in the mire, his unfaltering touch of class always on hand to keep Sir Alexs men in the hunt for victory. After returning to the football at the turn of 2012, Scholes has upped his fitness levels, rediscovered his hunger, and returned to his old, dazzling ways. It is a concrete cold fact that United cannot find an adequate replacement for the diminutive playmaker, with Ferguson stating that only Xavi or Iniesta would be worthy successors, a dream that will always be unattainable for the fans. Xavi, who assumes a very similar role for Barcelona, has said countless times in interviews that he modelled his game on Scholes in his youth, and Zinedine Zidane was quoted as saying that never having the opportunity to play alongside him was one the biggest regrets of his career. Zidanes description of Scholes in an interview from a few years back says it all: Hes 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.