Recently, I have been curious if Steven Gerrard should have surpassed Bryan Robson in all-time performance although Gerrard is by far more decorated player. Domestic Club Media rating in dbscalcio shows Gerrard was given 7 - 7.1 in three seasonal average points (2003 - 2004, 2005 - 2006, 2008 - 2009). Those three seasons should be roughly considered in World-Class. Gerrard also got more than 6.75 average points in three seasons (Supreme International-Class) and around 6.5 - 6.6 in four seasons (Ordinary International-Class) I have no rating evidence in average points of Robson but at least he won PFA Team of the year six times As he reached his peak during 1981 - 1986 when Man Utd finished in top four in every seasons and also the 1987 - 1988 season which Man Utd finished second place in the league. Robson might be comparable to Gerarrd in domestic club's individual performance. International Club As Robson did not have any opportunity to prove himself in European Cup during his best period (1980s), Gerrard would lead him in international club rating as we known how much he contribute to Liverpool in UEFA Champion League. National Team Unfortunately, Gerrard had to split influential level to Lampard so he is not so outstanding and it is hard to rate him in world-class in any tournament. Anyway he still won twice England Player of The Year (2007, 2012). Bryan Robson is considered as the best player of England in 1986 by Bobby Robson but he was mostly injury in 1986 and 1990 World Cup so his NT highlight is at the 1982 World Cup. B.Robson seems to be better but not so far.
This a blatantly pro-Liverpool look at the Gerrard v. Robson question: http://www.lfchistory.net/Articles/Article/2381
One of the biggest questions about Robson in regards to representing England might be unrealised potential: What could have happened at the 1986 & '90 WCs for England had Robson been fully fit and available for both tournaments?
haha ... maybe in 86 they would have won over Moroco (instead of tie) or maybe they would tire Portugal instead of losing???
Gerrard really should be considered the better player but the massive mitigating factor is Robson's injury record. As Roy pointed out England were genuine contenders in 86 and 90 and having arguably your best and most dynamic player out injured was surely a hindrance. Both are just below the level of true greats for me.