Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard came up against some of the world’s best players during his career, both in the Premier League, the Champions League and the World Cup with England.
Regarded as one of the greatest Premier League midfielders of all time, Gerrard was hailed by Zinedine Zidane, who called the Liverpool icon the ‘best in the world’ and wanted Real Madrid to sign him.
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Jose Mourinho was also a huge fan of Gerrard and tried to bring him to Chelsea, whereas Wayne Rooney called the Liverpool star his greatest ever England teammate.
But who impressed Gerrard on the pitch? Italian icons Gianluigi Buffon and Paolo Maldini made up two of his dream five-a-side team and Gerrard then named ‘the three best players’ he played against during his 18-year career to finish his list.
There is no room for former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
3
Zinedine Zidane
France icon Zinedine Zidane stole the show in the only time he faced Gerrard at Euro 2004.
The Three Lions and Gerrard looked to be on their way to a Group B win thanks to a Frank Lampard goal before Zidane scored a brilliant free-kick in injury time.
The attacking midfielder then scored a penalty to win it for France in the 93rd minute, with Gerrard describing Zidane as a “freak”.
“Zidane, the stuff he could do. His legs were always in control of the ball. He used to glide. He was just a god. He was a freak for me.”
2
Lionel Messi
No shocks to see Lionel Messi as one of Gerrard’s toughest opponents he has faced. Back in the 2006/07 season, Liverpool came up against Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16.
Barcelona won 1-0 at Anfield in the first leg, however, the Reds famously defeated the Catalan giants 2-1 at the Nou Camp to progress after goals from Craig Bellamy and John Arne Rise.
Years Messi has won the Ballon d’Or
Club
2009
Barcelona
2010
Barcelona
2011
Barcelona
2012
Barcelona
2015
Barcelona
2019
Barcelona
2021
Barcelona
2023
Inter Miami
Messi, who was still 19 at the time, failed to score or provide an assist in either game, but Gerrard was impressed with what he saw that day and the subsequent years from the Argentine.
“There are certain players who are on a different level to anyone else out there, Messi and Ronaldo. But Ronaldo doesn’t get in my team. I am more about what you are going to do for the team. He will win you things but I am more about a team player than an individual player.”
1
Ronaldinho
Rounding off Gerrard’s toughest trio he has faced is Ronaldinho, who was also in the Barcelona side that Liverpool overcame in the 06/07 Champions League.
Gerrard also faced Ronaldinho on the international stage on two occasions, with Brazil and England drawing 1-1 in 2007. The Three Lions then won 2-1 in 2013, with Joe Hart actually saving a penalty from Ronaldinho.
Despite that, Gerrard was often left stunned with the skilful South American, saying:
“Ronaldinho had a two, three year spell when he was on his own. He did things on a pitch where you think ‘how has he done that?’”
