Carra: Stevie is the World's Best

[Suss]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N151187060119-1314.htm

"I know people will think I'm biased," says Carra. "Jose Mourinho will always say Frank Lampard is the best, and Frank Rijkaard will say it's Ronaldinho.

"They're fantastic players, but as far as I'm concerned, Steven Gerrard is the best player in the world today. I wouldn't swap him for anyone, even Ronaldinho.

"I've a lot of interest in all the top leagues and I've seen enough of all the top players. I don't see anyone with the all-round game he's got.

"With most players you can list strengths and weaknesses. With Stevie, there are no weaknesses. If I was picking a world XI, he'd be the first name on the list.

"The difference between him and the others is he's world class in so many positions.

"He's the best central midfielder in the Premiership, but he's also the best right midfielder, too. If he was playing the holding role every week, he'd do that just as well as Makelele, who everyone sees as the best around.

"Lampard has been fantastic for the last two or three years, but Stevie has been like that since he came into our side six years ago. He's gone up another level this season."

As Matt has pointed out on these boards, Carragher watches a lot of football in lots of European leagues, so he would know what he is talking about. Of course he is biased, and I wouldn't go as far to say that Gerrard is the best in the world, but Stevie is now way up there. Thoughts?

[liverbird]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N151187060119-1314.htm



I'm not sure if I agree with him, but Gerrard definelty belongs in this discussion. Thoughts?

See my sig. The Ronaldinho part is surely in the context of our team and the Prem.

[ghazi]

Personally, i think Ronaldhino is on another level because the man is simply an alien life form sent to show humans how lame we are. He does things that are completely outrageous against professionals, that it almost looks scripted like a Harlem Globetrotters - Washington Generals games.

While many players have nifty or cutesey moves, when 'dhino pulls them off, there is a method to the madness and a purpose behind them. Plus, he has a powerful and accurate shot, finishing ability, and the skill to take his team on his shoulders.

Having said that, i don't think there is another player in the game today that can take a team or game by the scruff of the neck and will dominance or victory over an opponent like Stevie. It's remarkable how he can tear into the heart of a midfield and a defense and make the whole opposing team collapse around him and under his desire. And its not as though he merely pulls this stunt of a couple times per season. He routinely fires the Reds to greater heights and better performances when he is on the pitch and pulling the strings.

I still get shivers thinking about his second half performance in Istanbul and the way he lifted the team in the comeback, and then played sideback against the blazing Serginho and neutralized him in the final 30 minutes. Legendary display by a legendary player.

OK, i have written far too much.

[Suss]

I agree that Ronaldhino is on his own level. But Carragher made a good point. Not only is Gerrard the best central midfielder in the Premiership, he also the best right midfielder in the Premiership. If he was asked to play right back, he would be the best there too. If he was asked to play as a striker, he would score 20 goals. The only position that he couldn't play at the highest level is goalkeeper. His all around talent is better than anyone else.

[usscouse]

Personally, i think Ronaldhino is on another level because the man is simply an alien life form sent to show humans how lame we are. He does things that are completely outrageous against professionals, that it almost looks scripted like a Harlem Globetrotters - Washington Generals games.

While many players have nifty or cutesey moves, when 'dhino pulls them off, there is a method to the madness and a purpose behind them. Plus, he has a powerful and accurate shot, finishing ability, and the skill to take his team on his shoulders.

Having said that, i don't think there is another player in the game today that can take a team or game by the scruff of the neck and will dominance or victory over an opponent like Stevie. It's remarkable how he can tear into the heart of a midfield and a defense and make the whole opposing team collapse around him and under his desire. And its not as though he merely pulls this stunt of a couple times per season. He routinely fires the Reds to greater heights and better performances when he is on the pitch and pulling the strings.

I still get shivers thinking about his second half performance in Istanbul and the way he lifted the team in the comeback, and then played sideback against the blazing Serginho and neutralized him in the final 30 minutes. Legendary display by a legendary player.

OK, i have written far too much.Yeh! RonnyHo might look like an alien but he does have a decent game. Totally different from Stevies and they're both up there.

[liverbird]

I agree that Ronaldhino is on his own level. But Carragher made a good point. Not only is Gerrard the best central midfielder in the Premiership, he also the best right midfielder in the Premiership. If he was asked to play right back, he would be the best there too. If he was asked to play as a striker, he would score 20 goals. The only position that he couldn't play at the highest level is goalkeeper. His all around talent is better than anyone else.

Well, I haven't seen him in goal!:D

Who knows he'd probably do well there as well.

[TruReds]

Ronaldinho is the best in terms of attacking midfielder because of his magical footwork and the beautiful goals he has scored.

But Gerrard's strength is his versatility, the complete midfielder where he can play attacking as well as defending. Most importantly, he'll get a lot of votes for being world' best after he literally steered Liverpool to the European crown single-handedly.

[ForeverRed]

Jamie is absolutely right, why shouldn't he be the best? He is a massive influence in EVERY game he plays and never stops running. Ronaldinho does his own thing, flare-wise, but so does Stevie G. Ronaldinho is a more attacking player, not really focusing on all parts of the midfield, Steve is all over the pitch though and does well everywhere.

There is no one as complete as him in the world besides Ballack. I don't believe there is one stand out best player in the world at the moment but Stevie G. is definetley amongts the top three.

[Suss]

But Gerrard's strength is his versatility, the complete midfielder where he can play attacking as well as defending. Most importantly, he'll get a lot of votes for being world' best after he literally steered Liverpool to the European crown single-handedly.

Well thats not really true. The Champions League run was a team effort. Luis Garcia's contribution was just as important as Gerrard's leading up to Istanbul, and Carragher was even more influential than Stevie. Saying that he "single-handedly" won us the Champions League is a stretch.

I think Gerrard has become an even better player this year compared to last year. The more time he gets to work with Rafa, the better he will get. He is already a much better goal scorer than he ever was. He still has another couple of years before he hits the prime of career, and I could see him getting even better.

[LiverpoolFanatic]

before the season started I said somewhere on this board thatGerrard would have a PotY type year--no doubt in my mind. He's proving me right thus far.

[ForeverRed]

Well thats not really true. The Champions League run was a team effort. Luis Garcia's contribution was just as important as Gerrard's leading up to Istanbul, and Carragher was even more influential than Stevie. Saying that he "single-handedly" won us the Champions League is a stretch.

I think Gerrard has become an even better player this year compared to last year. The more time he gets to work with Rafa, the better he will get. He is already a much better goal scorer than he ever was. He still has another couple of years before he hits the prime of career, and I could see him getting even better.

You can make the exact case for Ronaldinho, if Giuly and Deco hadn't been added to the team, Barcelona might have never taken off the way they did.

[ForeverRed]

Well thats not really true. The Champions League run was a team effort. Luis Garcia's contribution was just as important as Gerrard's leading up to Istanbul, and Carragher was even more influential than Stevie. Saying that he "single-handedly" won us the Champions League is a stretch.

I think Gerrard has become an even better player this year compared to last year. The more time he gets to work with Rafa, the better he will get. He is already a much better goal scorer than he ever was. He still has another couple of years before he hits the prime of career, and I could see him getting even better.

You can make the exact case for Ronaldinho, if Giuly and Deco hadn't been added to the team, Barcelona might have never taken off the way they did.

[ForeverRed]

Well thats not really true. The Champions League run was a team effort. Luis Garcia's contribution was just as important as Gerrard's leading up to Istanbul, and Carragher was even more influential than Stevie. Saying that he "single-handedly" won us the Champions League is a stretch.

I think Gerrard has become an even better player this year compared to last year. The more time he gets to work with Rafa, the better he will get. He is already a much better goal scorer than he ever was. He still has another couple of years before he hits the prime of career, and I could see him getting even better.

You can make the exact case for Ronaldinho, if Giuly and Deco hadn't been added to the team, Barcelona might have never taken off the way they did.

[ghazi]

Come again Forever Red? :D

[ForeverRed]

Come again Forever Red? :D

Sorry mate, the site was going a bit nuts last night, you can actually see multiple posts on many threads here...:)

[never walk alone TPK]

Listen people should not compare normal human beings to brazillians I mean ronaldhino and kaka ar so good for brazil and their teams but since i do not watch that much of other leagues i wouls say stevie is brilliant and he puts his heart out at anfield and tells the opponents mess with me mess with the heart of liverpool.
Yo mods have you gus chucked the reputation thingy cant see any green nipples on members of this board or in mine as well.

[ForeverRed]

Listen people should not compare normal human beings to brazillians I mean ronaldhino and kaka ar so good for brazil and their teams but since i do not watch that much of other leagues i wouls say stevie is brilliant and he puts his heart out at anfield and tells the opponents mess with me mess with the heart of liverpool.
Yo mods have you gus chucked the reputation thingy cant see any green nipples on members of this board or in mine as well.

Eh Brazilians are overhyped......for their flare and attacking prowess they lack many things other players excell at so let's not elevate them to god-like statuses right away. While Ronaldinho is having a terrific season, Kaka isn't in such great form at the moment, neither is his club.

[never walk alone TPK]

Thats true you know who will win the world cup saudi arabia.lol

[ForeverRed]

Thats true you know who will win the world cup saudi arabia.lol

HA!....nah....semi finals at most...:)