Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes Steven Gerrard is the best player he has faced in his 11-year career at Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has named Steven Gerrard the best player he has faced in his illustrious Premier League career.
Obi Mikel, who joined Chelsea in 2006 after being unveiled as a Manchester United player months earlier, had a successful career in English football with the Londoners, winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups, and four FA Cups.
Obi Mikel revealed to Rio Ferdinand on the Five podcast that during his 11-year stay at Stamford Bridge, former Liverpool captain Gerrard was the most difficult opponent he faced.
“I’ve always said my toughest opponent in the Premier League was Stevie G,” he told Ferdinand’s Five podcast. “You remember when he started playing as a No.10 for Liverpool, with Fernando Torres up front? Oh my God!”
The former Nigeria international continued: “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.”
Obi Mikel continued his praise of Gerrard, who helped the Anfield club to a landmark fifth Champions League triumph during a legendary 17-year career on Merseyside, by admitting that not only was the former Reds captain the toughest opponent he faced but also the “best player”.
“Again, I’d probably have to go back to Stevie G. He was the best Premier League player, for me,” added Obi Mikel. “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 make room behind me.” You think you’ve got him, and then he’s gone because he’s so quick and can shoot right or left, which is extremely difficult.
“And when you lose him, you know you’re in trouble, which is why his partnership with Torres was so good and they scored so many goals.”
“At the time, we played a lot of big games against Liverpool in the Champions League and the Premier League, and they became one of our main rivals.” I had a few close calls with them!”
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