Jonny Evans, a long-serving defender for Manchester United, recently reflected on the exceptional talent he shared a pitch with during his illustrious career.
He singled out Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs as players operating on a different plane altogether, possessing an almost preternatural understanding of the game. Evans recalled witnessing things in training from the duo that seemed beyond replication, a level of skill he felt unattainable.
“I always thought Scholes and Giggs were on another level to the rest of the team,” Evans revealed. “Even amongst world-class players, their footballing intelligence was noticeably higher.” He described moments where their actions defied belief, leaving him astonished and humbled.
Scholes and Giggs weren’t just gifted; they were decorated. Scholes amassed 11 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies, while Giggs claimed an astounding 13 Premier League titles and also two Champions League wins, cementing their legendary status at the club.
Beyond his esteemed teammates, Evans faced a gauntlet of formidable opponents throughout his career, battling against some of the most dangerous attackers in the Premier League with Manchester United, West Brom, and Leicester City.
When asked to name the three most challenging strikers he ever faced, Evans didn’t hesitate. He immediately identified Luis Suarez, Didier Drogba, and Sergio Aguero as the players who consistently caused him the greatest difficulty.
“I’d go straight to Suarez at Liverpool,” Evans stated. “Then probably Drogba and Aguero. Over the years, those three stand out more than the others.” He described Suarez as an unpredictable force, capable of mesmerizing skill and relentless determination.
Suarez, in particular, was a nightmare to defend against. Evans remembered Suarez’s ability to seemingly defy physics, dribbling the ball through legs and possessing a combination of strength, bravery, and sheer skill that made him a truly unique threat.
Drogba’s imposing presence and clinical finishing, coupled with Aguero’s blistering pace and predatory instincts, consistently tested Evans’ defensive capabilities. These three strikers represent a golden age of Premier League attacking talent.
Having recently retired from professional football, Evans has seamlessly transitioned into a new role at Manchester United, now serving as head of loans and pathways. He’s dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Red Devils.
Evans expressed immense gratitude for his two decades in the game, acknowledging the managers, coaches, and teammates who shaped his career. He’s eager to leverage his own experience with loan spells to help young players develop and ultimately contribute to the first team.
He views his new position as a continuation of the club’s legacy, a chance to ensure that promising young talents have the opportunity to thrive and carry on the tradition of excellence at Manchester United. His focus is firmly on building a pathway for future stars.
