Paul Scholes left stunned by Leeds star player performance against Nott’m Forest, the best he has seen from a leeds player this season

Paul Scholes left stunned by Leeds star player performance against Nott’m Forest, the best he has seen from a leeds player this season

Ilia Gruev delivered a masterclass performance that left Manchester United legend Paul Scholes visibly stunned during Leeds United’s recent Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

The Bulgarian midfielder, a vital presence in Leeds’ midfield since joining the club, produced what many are calling the standout individual display by a Leeds player this season. In a commanding 3-1 victory at Elland Road, Gruev completely dominated the engine room, breaking up Forest attacks with sharp interceptions, launching precise long passes, and controlling the game’s rhythm against a physical Nottingham Forest side.

Scholes, watching from the Sky Sports studio, was left impressed by the 26-year-old’s intelligence, vision, and composure on the ball. The former midfield maestro—known for his own exceptional passing and game-reading ability—rarely dishes out high praise, but he admitted Gruev’s showing stood out. “I’ve not seen that level of quality and control from a Leeds player all season,” Scholes reportedly said post-match. “The way he picked out those passes, especially the one for Bogle’s goal and the cross for Calvert-Lewin’s finish… it stunned me. He was calm, clever, and everywhere he needed to be.

“Gruev’s contributions were pivotal in Leeds’ dominant display. His beautifully flighted through-ball set up Jayden Bogle’s opener, while his teasing cross-shot led to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s clever chested finish for the third. Combined with tireless defensive work and excellent ball retention under pressure, Gruev frustrated Forest’s midfield and provided the platform for Leeds to pull nine points clear of the relegation zone.This wasn’t merely a solid outing—it was a true statement performance. Gruev outshone his teammates in overall influence, covering ground relentlessly while showcasing the kind of passing range and composure Scholes himself mastered during his illustrious career.

Scholes’ reaction highlights just how highly the understated pundit rates genuine technical quality and game intelligence. In a season of challenges at Elland Road, Gruev’s man-of-the-match-level effort against Nottingham Forest sets a new benchmark. If he can sustain this form, Leeds may have found a true midfield gem—and even Paul Scholes might allow himself a nod of approval.