Paul Gilbert is very good, but YingYang Malmsteen (Yngwie Malmsteen) is probably the best at the speed/dexterity thing, but this does not make him the quote
"Best guitar player"
All this is subjective, you like what you like to hear.
Now, playing with soul, that is subjective upon itself.
Some swear by BB King, some by John Bonamassa, some Eric Clapton, etc.
Shawn Lane was a natural R.I.P.
They all good, some's better
Later,
Keith