Former Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane has explained who he would rather play with out of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes.
Zidane, in his own right, was one of the best midfielders of his generation. In his prime, he was known for his elegance, seemingly effortless passing ability and eye for goal.
Despite having never played for an English club, he will have no doubt admired the three players from afar.
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Zidane played alongside several stars during his career. During France’s 1998 World Cup-winning tournament, he partnered both Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Viera in midfield.
At Real Madrid, he formed a duo with Guti. And at Juventus, he played with Edgar Davids and current France boss Didier Deschamps in the middle of the park.
However, in 2015, he revealed who out of the English trio mentioned that he would have liked to have played with.
“I have said in the past that at his peak he [Steven Gerrard] was the best in the world,” said Zidane.
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“I think it was the summer of 2004 I was having a conversation with Florentino (Perez), and I told him I wanted him to partner me in midfield for Madrid.”
The following summer, in 2005, Gerrard captained Liverpool to an iconic penalty shoot-out Champions League final victory against AC Milan.
His header early in the second half lifted Liverpool’s spirits after they trailed 3-0 at half-time. The Reds drew level and captured their fifth European Cup/Champions League in Istanbul.
Fans may wonder what might have happened if Gerrard joined Madrid, who at the time had gone two years since winning the Champions League.
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Between 2002 and 2014, Madrid failed to capture Europe’s most coveted trophy. Whether Gerrard would’ve made a difference will remain a mystery.
“I know the club tried twice, but he wouldn't leave Liverpool. Not many players turn down Real Madrid but I think that tells you a lot about the loyalty of the man,” explained Zidane
“It is incredible he has never won a league title, but he has had success with Liverpool,” he added.
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Six years before his 2015 admission, Zidane even dubbed Gerrard as the best player in the world after a superb showing in a 4-0 win over Los Blancos at Anfield in 2009.
“He might not get the attention of [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo but, yes, I think he [Steven Gerrard] just might be [the best],” explained the Madrid legend.
"He has great passing ability, can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly, he gives the players around him confidence and belief. You can't learn that – players like him are just born with that presence,” he added.
Topics: Manchester United, Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Chelsea, Liverpool
Luke Davies