{"id":654083,"date":"2025-12-25T12:47:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-25T12:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/654083\/"},"modified":"2025-12-25T12:47:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-25T12:47:36","slug":"liverpool-and-england-legend-steven-gerrard-names-his-best-five-teammates-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/654083\/","title":{"rendered":"Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard names his best five teammates | Football"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" width=\"646\" height=\"444\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2206371880.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25382506\" alt=\"Liverpool Legends v Chelsea Legends: Charity Match\" decoding=\"sync\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tLiverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n<p><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/steven-gerrard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Steven Gerrard<\/a> has named his best former England and <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/liverpool-fc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Liverpool<\/a> teammates who he would pick in two five-a-side teams.<\/p>\n<p>Widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders of his generation, Gerrard helped guide his boyhood club to eight major trophies in his 17 years at the club.<\/p>\n<p>The midfielder scored 186 goals in his 710 games for the Reds, the third-most of any Liverpool player, and played a defining role in helping his team win two FA Cups and, most famously, the 2005 <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/champions-league\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Champions League<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Also a constant at the international level, Gerrard scored 21 goals in 114 appearances for England, as well as captaining the Three Lions at two World Cups and one European Championship between 2010 and 2014.<\/p>\n<p>Having fallen narrowly short of winning the <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/premier-league\/\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a> title with Liverpool, Gerrard departed his boyhood club in 2015, moving to MLS side LA Galaxy for two seasons <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2016\/11\/24\/daniel-sturridge-pays-touching-tribute-to-steven-gerrard-on-instagram-as-liverpool-legend-retires-6281297\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">before retiring in November 2016.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Given his illustrious career, it was perhaps no surprise that the 45-year-old found it tricky when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7p9Zrjeu0Co&amp;t=1433s\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">asked by former teammate Rio Ferdinand<\/a> to construct a five-a-side team from players he shared a dressing room with.<\/p>\n<p>So much so that Gerrard instead opted to name two teams, one with just his former England teammates and another from his time at Liverpool.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"594\" height=\"413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-85864912.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25384427\" alt=\"Liverpool v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tGerrard named Fernando Torres in his Liverpool five-a-side team (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n<p>Opting not to select a goalkeeper, Gerrard began his Liverpool team with a defender, saying: \u2018The best defender I played with for Liverpool would be Carragher or Hyypia. <\/p>\n<p>\u2018All-round, if they were both in their prime, I\u2019d say big Sammy Hyypia. Two million pounds is all he cost, great player.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Moving into midfield, Gerrard said: \u2018Definitely (Xabi) Alonso. (Javier) Mascherano was good, but I only played with him for a short period of time, so I would probably say Didi Hamman \u2013 very underrated.<\/p>\n<p>Up front, the decision was far simpler. \u2018Suarez, yes, and I\u2019ve had to go with Torres,\u2019 Gerrard said.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tSteven Gerrard&#8217;s Liverpool five-a-side team\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lineup-991b.png\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25384461\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tGerrard\u2019s Liverpool team (Picture: buildlineup.com)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sami Hyypia:<\/strong> Signed for just over \u00a32million from Willem II in 1999, Hyypia became an Anfield fan favourite and a mainstay of Liverpool\u2019s side throughout the 2000s, making 464 appearances in all competitions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Xabi Alonso:<\/strong> Signed to partner Gerrard in central midfield, the Spaniard\u2019s composure and range of passing saw him thrive at Liverpool before being snapped up by Real Madrid after five seasons. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Didi Hamann:<\/strong> Ultimately succeeded by the aforementioned Alonso, Hamann was a rock at the base of Liverpool\u2019s midfield before moving to Manchester City after seven seasons on Merseyside.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fernando Torres<\/strong>: Striking up a formidable partnership with Gerrard behind him, Torres tormented defences during his four seasons at Liverpool, scoring 81 goals in 142 matches in all competitions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Luis Suarez: <\/strong>Three and a half superb seasons at Liverpool, the last of which saw him score 31 goals in 33 league appearances and form a lethal partnership with Daniel Sturridge that almost won the league under Brendan Rodgers.<\/p>\n<p>Asked which of the two he thought was better, Gerrard added: \u2018All-round, Suarez. he was an animal.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tPrefer us to the others? Then tell Google!\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.<\/p>\n<p>Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a> and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"646\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Headshots-1-78d4.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25587398\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tOur journalists work hard to deliver the most important stories from around the world<\/p>\n<p>\u2018But again it\u2019s period and moments and when they peak. Robbie Fowler peaked just before I got into the first team, and Michael Owen peaked as I was coming into. <\/p>\n<p>\u2018And then you\u2019ve got obviously Torres and Suarez. But all around, when them two were both at it, they were phenomenal.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Selecting his England side, Gerrard once again opted against naming a goalkeeper, but found himself full of potential options at the back.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"594\" height=\"397\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GettyImages-2192352332.jpg\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25385369\" alt=\"England V Serbia &amp; Montenegro, International Friendly\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tGerrard captained England at three major tournaments (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Defender, I\u2019m going to respect you (Ferdinand) and <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/john-terry\/\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">John Terry<\/a> and I\u2019m not going to pick either of you because I think in terms of levels, you were both very different,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I think your style and John\u2019s style suited each other, and I\u2019d say it\u2019s probably difficult to split in terms of the level you both played \u2013 and that\u2019s not me sitting on the fence.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I\u2019m going to go with Ashley Cole, and the reason being is I would say that Ashley, in my opinion, was the best left-back in the world when we played with him.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Completing his five-a-side team with his final three choices, Gerrard said: \u2018Midfielders \u2013 definitely Scholesly. Lampard, I would put in as well. <\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tSteven Gerrard&#8217;s Liverpool five-a-side team\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t<img width=\"480\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lineup-1-b082.png\" class=\"article-image wp-image-25385344\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><br \/>\n\t\tGerrard\u2019s England team (Picture: buildlineup.com)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ashley Cole:<\/strong> The former Chelsea and Arsenal left-back made 107 appearances for England, the most of full-back. Never lost a competitive home game while playing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Paul Scholes:<\/strong> Often played out of position for the national team during his peak years, but scored 14 goals in his 66 caps for the Three Lions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Frank Lampard:<\/strong> One of only nine players to reach a century of England caps, the Chelsea midfielder scored 29 goals for the Three Lionsm captaining the side on three ocasions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Alan Shearer:<\/strong> The Premier League\u2019s record goalscorer also had an impresive record for England, scoring 30 goals in 63 games and winning the golden boot in Euro 1996 when Terry Venables\u2019 reached the tournament\u2019s semi-finals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wayne Rooney:<\/strong> Remains the country\u2019s record appearance-maker for an outfield player and was the record goalscorer from 2015 to 2023\u00a0until current captain Harry Kane surpassed his tally of 53 goals.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I\u2019d have to go with <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" data-track=\"inline-tag-auto-link_article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/tag\/alan-shearer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alan Shearer<\/a> because I played a couple of games with him, and number-wise, he was obviously out on his own. And I\u2019d have to go with Wazza (Rooney).\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Delving into his selections further, Gerrard was keen to sing the praises of Paul Scholes and suggested the former Manchester United midfielder would \u2018terrorise\u2019 the Premier League if he were playing in the current era.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018I think now, hands down, he [Scholes] would be the best midfielder in the Premier League,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Scholesy, for me, was very much an in-possession controller of a midfield controller of a game, can switch the play, you get close and he could pop it round you, he can play the outside of his foot, score important goals, make the last pass.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018My thing for me was can you get him on the other side of the game, can you take him the other way, can you get physical with him, he\u2019ll get booked against you. I\u2019m not sure in today\u2019s game you could leave one on Scholesy, for example.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018He would have everyone terrorised in the Premier League. I\u2019m telling you right now, he would have everyone terrorised in the Premier League now.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018He\u2019d be the best midfielder in the Premier League, hands down.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>For more stories like this,\u00a0<a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/sport\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/sport\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">check our sport page<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on<br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sportmetro\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Metro_Sport\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/metrosportuk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/12\/25\/snubbed-transfer-moves-arsenal-liverpool-wonder-made-a-mistake-25701895\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">I snubbed transfer moves to Arsenal and Liverpool and wonder if I made a mistake<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/12\/25\/ex-liverpool-man-utd-striker-michael-owen-names-most-underrated-teammate-25108859\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ex-Liverpool and Man Utd striker Michael Owen names his \u2018most underrated\u2019 teammate<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"metro-more-link\">Arrow<br \/>\nMORE: <a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" href=\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/2025\/12\/24\/manchester-united-teammate-different-class-liverpool-captain-virgil-van-dijk-25109361\/?ico=more_text_links\" class=\"\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">My Manchester United teammate was different class to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"metro-button share-bar-comments\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"#metro-comments-container\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tComment now<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\tComments<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><a data-ico=\"hyperlink-article\" class=\"metro-button share-bar-preferred-source\" data-vars-position=\"bottom\" href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/metro.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\tAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tAdd as preferred source<br \/>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\tFootball Newsletter \u2013 In The Mixer<\/p>\n<p>Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro&#8217;s football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><script async 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Liverpool&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":654084,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5008],"tags":[11844,150192,748,10759,393,136452,200042,94,7129,4884,763,75145,18597,93,10246,16,15,14349,19715],"class_list":{"0":"post-654083","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-england","8":"tag-alan-shearer","9":"tag-ashley-cole","10":"tag-britain","11":"tag-dietmar-hamann","12":"tag-england","13":"tag-england-mens-football-team","14":"tag-fernando-torres","15":"tag-football","16":"tag-frank-lampard","17":"tag-great-britain","18":"tag-liverpool-fc","19":"tag-luis-suarez","20":"tag-paul-scholes","21":"tag-sport","22":"tag-steven-gerrard","23":"tag-uk","24":"tag-united-kingdom","25":"tag-wayne-rooney","26":"tag-xabi-alonso"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115780286550456153","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/654083","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=654083"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/654083\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/654084"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=654083"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=654083"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=654083"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}