Peter Schmeichel vs Paul Ince: Stats Compared
Goalkeeper, Denmark (born 1963, retired 2003) · Central Midfielder, England (born 1967, retired 2006)
Line up Peter Schmeichel next to Paul Ince and the contrasts come quickly. Strikers are judged on goals, and on that raw currency both men delivered extraordinary returns. On production alone, Peter Schmeichel posted 0 goals across 816 appearances while Paul Ince managed 90 across 650. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Peter Schmeichel is listed at 0 and Paul Ince at 60 where figures survive. Trophy counts give Peter Schmeichel 9 and Paul Ince 4, with 1× UEFA Champions League (1999) and 2× Premier League (1993, 1994) the standout honours respectively. Where Peter Schmeichel was a imposing presence in the box, Paul Ince offered a intelligent approach to goalscoring. The wider career context matters too: Peter Schmeichel peaked around 1999 after representing Brøndby, Manchester United, Sporting CP, Aston Villa, while Paul Ince's defining level came around 1994 across West Ham United, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Swindon Town. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
176 words · comparison angle: goalscoring
Player profiles
Peter Bolesław Schmeichel (born 18 November 1963) is a Danish former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. During eight seasons at English club Manchester United, he won 15 trophies including five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and captaining the club to victory in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final to complete the treble. Schmeichel also played for the Denmark national team, with which he won the UEFA European Championship in 1992.
“A huge presence whose reflexes, command and distribution set a new goalkeeping standard.”
The first Black player to captain England, Ince was a combative, driving midfielder at the heart of Manchester United's early Premier League dominance.
“An aggressive, all-action midfielder whose tackling and late runs into the box made him a formidable box-to-box presence.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 1× UEFA Champions League (1999)
- 2× Premier League (1993, 1994)
- 2× FA Cup (1990, 1994)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1991 Established himself at Brøndby
- 1995 Reached his defining peak
- 1999 Delivered a landmark season
- 2003 Retired from professional football
- 1986 Professional debut for West Ham United
- 1993 Won Premier League with Manchester United
- 1990 Won FA Cup with Manchester United
- 1994 Reached the peak of his powers at Manchester United
- 2006 Retired after a final spell at Swindon Town
- Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours. Finished his career with 90 goals in 650 appearances and 4 major honours.
The verdict
On balance Peter Schmeichel edges the comparison. The margin is a narrow margin, decided mostly by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Peter Schmeichel edges it (a narrow margin)
