Ex/Current footballers and managers quotes about Steven Gerrard.

[THREAD]

“It was a disgrace he didn’t win European Footballer of the Year after Istanbul in 2005 and, for me, he will be regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time.”

- Thierry Henry

“There was a point when Gerrard was the best midfield player in the world. It is unusual to get complete players who can do everything.

Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Messi and Ronaldo but yes, I think he just might be.”

- Zinedine Zidane

“I’d have to say Stevie [was the best England team-mate]. For me he’s an incredible player, an incredible leader. He helped me a lot during my early days with England.”

- Wayne Rooney

“He has become the most influential player in England, bar none. More than Vieira. Not that Vieira lacks anything, but I think that Gerrard does more for his team than Vieira does, and has way more to his game.

Anyone would love to have Gerrard in their team.”

- SAF

“He’s in the top three midfielders in the world, maybe the best right now. I heard what Alex Ferguson said about him being better than me. He’s probably right. Gerrard is England’s best player and he single-handedly got Liverpool into the Champions League.

- Patrick Vieira

“While at Milan he Ancelotti came to me and said, ‘I want to sign Steven Gerrard to play next to you in midfield’ – Without any hesitation I told him, ‘Do it – go and sign him.’ He was probably the most complete midfield player in Europe, I wanted to partner him.

- Andrea Pirlo

“Steven Gerrard would be the captain of my World XI dream team. Gerrard is a complete player because he can play in every position and can do everything with a football.

“He’s a player who scores goals, who builds the play, he’s a sensational player.”

- Francesco Totti

“To me he is one of the super best midfielders in the world. He is an excellent player.”

- Pelé

“The highest compliment I can pay him is that he’s as creative as a Xavi at Barcelona, with something extra as well. When you add his energy, toughness, leadership and goalscoring ability. He is without doubt the greatest player I have ever played with.

- Fernando Torres

“Everybody has their favourite midfield player. Some say Paul Scholes, Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira or Frank Lampard. But the reason I always say Stevie, having played with him and against him, is because he encapsulated what they all do well rolled into one.

- Jamie Redknapp

'I tried to bring him to Chelsea, Inter & Real Madrid, but he remained a dear enemy. To stop him, or to try to stop him, is very difficult.’

- José Mourinho

“For me, in the position he plays, he is one of the very best in the world. For the job he performs, for me he is one of the greatest.”

- Ronaldinho

“He is undoubtedly one of the best midfield players in the world.”

- Carlo Ancelotti

“I would pay to watch Steven Gerrard.”

- Cesc Fàbregas

“One of my toughest but most sporting opponents. An example on and off the pitch.”

- Alessandro Nesta

“A world-class midfielder, Gerrard loves to lead by example and is famous for his never-say-die attitude. He loves to run at and beat defenders, and is blessed with a powerful and precise shot.”

- Andriy Shevchenko

“Every time we play against Steven, the coach always says to be careful with that player because he is the player who makes the difference.”

- Zlatan Ibrahimovic

“My Hero. My Mate. He’ll absolutely be remembered as one of the greats; for me, he is already one of them.

He is so inspirational. In the key moments he has that difference – a spark that is difficult to define.”

- Xabi Alonso