Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has weighed in on the debate of who is better between Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
Throughout the 2000s, the Premier League boasted some of the greatest midfielders ever to play the game, with England legends Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard.
Despite never playing for English club, France legend Zidane has admitted that he admired all three players from afar while winning a dozen trophies with both Real Madrid and Juventus.
And, while many football fans debate which of the England stars was the best midfielder, Zidane has no doubts over which of the three he would rather have played alongside during his storied career.
During his playing days, Zidane shared the pitch some of the best midfielders to every do it including the likes of Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Viera and Guti.
But 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.
“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.”
Just one year after Zidane’s request to bring Gerrard to Madrid, the Liverpool legend captained his boyhood club in the iconic penalty shoot-out Champions League final victory over AC Milan.
It’s no secret that the Spanish giants tried to tempt Gerrard to make a move to the Spanish capital, but nothing could make the Liverpool man leave Anfield.
Steven Gerrard made over 700 appearances for Liverpool. (Image: Getty)
“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.
In another interview, the Real Madrid great even lavelled Gerrard as the best player in the world after following Liverpool’s 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 Zidane
“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.”
