18 November 2023 , 19:19
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Steven Gerrard tops Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry on the list of all-time Premier League legends, according to John Obi Mikel.
Mikel spent 11 years playing in the Premier League for Chelsea, coming up against some of the competition’s biggest stars. The Nigeria international helped the Blues win two Premier League titles, as well as the Champions League, Europa League, four FA Cups and two Carabao Cups.
He crossed swords with some stellar opponents in his time, but as a central midfielder, it was always Liverpool legend Gerrard who he dreaded facing the most. Gerrard impressed him so much that former Manchester United winger Ronaldo and Arsenal icon Henry don’t come close in his standings.
Asked on Vibe with Five to name the best player he played against in the Premier League, Mikel name-checked Henry and Ronaldo before saying: “I’d probably have to go back to Stevie G. He was the best Premier League player, for me.
“He was so physically strong. I’m physically strong as well, I know I can get people off the ball, but not Gerrard. I could not get him off the ball. He knew how to find space behind me. You think you had him and he’s gone, because he was so quick as well and he can shoot right or left, it’s so difficult.
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“And as soon as you lose him you know you’re in trouble, and that’s why the partnership with him and [Fernando] Torres was so good and they scored a lot of goals. We played in a lot of big games against Liverpool at that time, Champions League, Premier League and they became one of our close rivals. I had a few tough times against them!”
Gerrard contributed 186 goals and 157 assists in 710 appearances for Liverpool to establish himself as a club legend. Mikel came up against him when he played alongside Torres between 2007 and 2011, with the Spanish striker benefiting from Gerrard’s skillset.
John Obi Mikel rates Steven Gerrard as the Premier League's best (IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) HAVE YOUR SAY! What do you make of John Obi Mikel's comments? Comment below.
“I’ve always said my toughest opponent in the Premier League was Stevie G,” Mikel added. “You remember when he started playing as a No.10 for Liverpool, with Fernando Torres up front? Oh my God!
“Quick, technically very good, strong, powerful, he could tackle as well. You’re looking at a No.10 who could tackle! I know he didn’t play in that position for very long, but he was the guy who was very, very difficult to play against. He knew how to find the space in between you and the defenders. Yeah, for me, Stevie G was the guy, he was that good.”
Mikel had another blow for Ronaldo, naming Lionel Messi as his favourite player. His Chelsea team came up against Messi in his prime at Barcelona and Mikel described the experience as “impossible”.
He added: “For me, I really don’t see the comparison between Messi and Ronaldo,” he added. I think Messi is from a different planet. I just think he’s that good.”