Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas says that Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was the toughest opponent he faced during his time in the Premier League.
Gerrard was known for his ability as an all-rounder; someone who was strong in every aspect of the game, and Fabregas claims he saw the England international as a “role model”:
“I always felt he had everything in his locker. He could dictate play, he could score goals, do assists, make runs in behind. Offensively he was very strong.”
“You always felt that when you were coming up against him you had to be at the top of your game otherwise you would be in trouble because he was very consistent. He was always an eight, seven, eight, seven [out of 10].”
“For me, he was a role model and someone, looking back, I really appreciate playing against. I learned a lot from him.”
They are surprising comments from Fabregas
The Spaniard’s remarks about Gerrard being a tough opponent won’t come as a shock to anyone but his assertion that he tried to model his game on the Reds icon is eye-opening.
Fabregas was a cultured midfielder and, in contrast, Gerrard used his athleticism, physicality and sheer determination to impose his will on proceedings.
Nobody would deny that the former Liverpool captain was supremely talented on the ball too, but he was very different to someone like David Silva or Fabregas himself, who very much relied on their technical ability.
What have Gerrard and Fabregas been up to since retirement?
Both have gone into coaching since ending their playing days. Gerrard initially took up a role with Liverpool’s youth team before managing Rangers, who he guided to a league title. After struggling at Aston Villa, though, he is now in charge of Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
Fabregas, meanwhile, hung up his boots back in July last year. He was caretaker manager of Italian Serie B side Como briefly before stepping down to become the club’s assistant coach.
