I've played against Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, but it only took 30 minutes for the Manchester United icon to become my toughest opponent.

Nottingham Forest midfielder James Ward-Prowse has revealed that Paul Scholes was his toughest opponent, despite only playing against him for 30 minutes.

Having played in almost 400 Premier League games, Ward-Prowse has come toe-to-toe with some of the greatest midfielders of all time.

The 11-time England international has faced teams such as Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Kevin De BruyneBut one name stood out to Ward-Prowse as his toughest opponent.

In a TikTok video uploaded by Nottingham ForestWard-Prowse appointed Manchester United icon Scholastics as his toughest opponent.

However, a search of the archives shows that Ward-Prowse shared the pitch with Scholes for just 30 minutes.

Their meeting came in September 2012 when United travelled to St Mary's to face the newly promoted Saints from the Championship.

Ward-Prowse, 17, started the game in midfield alongside Morgan Schneiderlin and Steven Davis.

Scholes, 37 at the time, entered the match in the 61st minute in place of Tom Cleverley.

Southampton He was leading United 2-1 until the 87th minute, when the Dutch star Robin van Persie scored the equaliser before scoring the winner just five minutes later.

Scholes would retire for a second time at the end of the season, helping United win the Premier League title in what would become Mr Alex FergusonThe final season of 's in charge.

Despite facing Scholes for just 30 minutes, Ward-Prowse is not the only player to declare the 11-time Premier League winner his toughest opponent.

Iconic French midfielder Zinedine Zidane He previously described Scholes as “without doubt the best midfielder of his generation” while Arsenal excellent Thierry Henry He described Scholes as “the best player in the Premier League”.

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Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs He also praised Scholes, stating that the midfielder “is the best player I have ever played with” at the club.

Later in the video, Ward-Prowse names another Manchester United icon as his footballing idol.

Given the 29-year-old's ability on set pieces, his response should come as no great surprise.

Ward-Prowse stated David Beckham He was his hero growing up, a player who was one of the most lethal in the world at set pieces.

The Forest midfielder also said his favourite food was a McDonald's Big Mac, Gavin and Stacey was his favourite TV series and his England debut was his proudest moment in football.

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