Steven Gerrard, a name synonymous with Liverpool passion and England’s midfield battles, recently faced a delightful dilemma: assembling his ultimate five-a-side teams from former teammates. The task, presented by Rio Ferdinand, proved surprisingly difficult for the legendary captain, prompting him to create *two* dream lineups – one representing his time with the Reds, and another honoring his England colleagues.
Gerrard’s 17 years at Liverpool yielded eight major trophies and a remarkable 186 goals in 710 appearances, cementing his status as a club icon. He wasn’t just a goalscorer; he was the driving force behind unforgettable moments, including the miraculous 2005 Champions League triumph. His influence extended to the international stage, captaining England at two World Cups and a European Championship across 114 appearances and 21 goals.
When building his Liverpool five, Gerrard immediately gravitated towards defensive solidity. “The best defender I played with for Liverpool would be Carragher or Hyypia,” he recalled. Ultimately, he chose Sami Hyypia, praising his commanding presence and incredible value – a mere £2 million investment that delivered years of unwavering service and 464 appearances.
Midfield selection brought further reflection. While acknowledging Javier Mascherano’s quality, Gerrard opted for the often-underrated Didi Hamann, citing a longer period of partnership. Alongside Hamann, the choice was clear: Xabi Alonso, whose composure and pinpoint passing were integral to Liverpool’s success. Up front, the dynamic duo of Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres proved irresistible.
“Suarez, yes, and I’ve had to go with Torres,” Gerrard stated decisively. Pressed to choose between the two, he ultimately leaned towards Suarez, describing him as an “animal” on the pitch, though acknowledging the peak moments of both players – Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen arriving just before his breakthrough, and Torres and Suarez flourishing during his prime.
Turning to his England squad, Gerrard navigated another set of difficult choices. He respectfully bypassed selecting either Rio Ferdinand or John Terry, recognizing their contrasting styles and equal levels of excellence. Instead, he championed Ashley Cole as, in his opinion, the best left-back in the world during their time together.
The midfield for his England team was anchored by the brilliance of Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard. Gerrard didn’t hesitate to include Scholes, a player he believes would “terrorize” the modern Premier League. Up front, the prolific Alan Shearer and the explosive Wayne Rooney completed the formidable lineup.
Gerrard passionately argued that Scholes, given today’s game, would be the undisputed best midfielder in the league. He described Scholes’ ability to control a game, switch play with ease, and deliver crucial passes, while acknowledging the challenge of physically imposing oneself on the masterful playmaker. “He’d be the best midfielder in the Premier League, hands down,” Gerrard insisted.
The selections weren’t simply about names; they were a testament to the players who shaped Gerrard’s career and left an indelible mark on the game. Each choice reflected a deep respect for their talent, dedication, and the unforgettable moments they shared on the pitch.
