Javier Mascherano vs Paul Scholes: Stats Compared
Defensive Midfielder, Argentina (born 1984, retired 2020) Β· Central Midfielder, England (born 1974, retired 2013)
Javier Mascherano against Paul Scholes is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Position shapes everything in football, and these two fulfilled very different briefs. The raw numbers read 15 goals in 700 outings for Javier Mascherano (0.02/game), versus 169 in 784 for Paul Scholes (0.22/game). The assist columns read 20 for Javier Mascherano and 75 for Paul Scholes where the record exists. Javier Mascherano departs the game with 10 major pieces of silverware, including 2Γ UEFA Champions League (2011, 2015); Paul Scholes with 17, including 2Γ UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008). The defensive midfielder duties of Javier Mascherano leaned silky; the central midfielder responsibilities of Paul Scholes leaned intelligent. Their routes to the top were distinct: Javier Mascherano built his reputation across River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Hebei China Fortune, Estudiantes, peaking around 2015, while Paul Scholes reached his defining level around 2008 after spells with Manchester United. Few pairings invite such entrenched disagreement, and fewer still deserve it this much.
168 words Β· comparison angle: role
Player profiles
Nicknamed 'El Jefecito' (the little chief), Mascherano converted from a combative box-to-box midfielder into one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation.
βA fiercely competitive ball-winner whose tackling and reading of the game let him marshal both midfield and defence.β
Manchester United midfielder renowned for his passing range and vision; two-time Champions League winner.
βA short-sighted, single-touch midfielder whose passing range was unmatched in his generation.β
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons β goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0β100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 2Γ UEFA Champions League (2011, 2015)
- 4Γ La Liga (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018)
- 4Γ Copa del Rey (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017)
- 2Γ UEFA Champions League (1999, 2008)
- 11Γ Premier League
- 3Γ FA Cup (1996, 1999, 2004)
- 1Γ FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2003 Professional debut for River Plate
- 2011 Won UEFA Champions League with Barcelona
- 2012 Won Copa del Rey with Barcelona
- 2015 Reached the peak of his powers at Barcelona
- 2020 Retired after a final spell at Estudiantes
- Finished his career with 15 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours. Finished his career with 15 goals in 700 appearances and 10 major honours.
- 1994 Manchester United debut
- 1996 First Premier League title
- 1999 Treble winner with Manchester United
- 2003 Briefly retired from England duty
- 2008 Second Champions League winner
- 2011 Came out of retirement to help Manchester United
- 2013 Retired for good at Manchester United
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Paul Scholes takes it by a decisive margin.
Paul Scholes edges it (a decisive margin)
