Steven Gerrard will always be in the conversation for the best midfielder of all time to have graced the Premier League. Despite not winning the league title once – he has left an indelible legacy.
Gerrard has simply set the benchmark for any midfielder. Now the latest player who is setting similar standards is Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne.
There is no doubt De Bruyne is capable of making season defining moments happen time and time again on the pitch. His impact for Pep Guardiola’s side can be described as akin to Gerrard in his prime. But could the Belgian truly live up to the former Liverpool captain’s legacy?
Micah Richards on Steven Gerrard
Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, Richards was asked about whether there has been anyone better than De Bruyne in terms of midfielders in the Premier League.
And the former Manchester City defender named Gerrard as his number one pick.
“My number one has always been Steven Gerrard,” Richards said.
“I just think he had absolutely everything and played in teams which weren’t potentially as great as the others and he was always the key man. To get to two Champions League finals, win one of them and lose one of them but be a key man in getting them there. And I know he didn’t win the league, and we are talking about Premier League but just his consistency – he would be my number one.”
However, Richards also went onto add that he believes in the future De Bruyne could overtake the former Liverpool man’s status.
“I think by the time Kevin de Bruyne has finished his career he might just overtake him.”
De Bruyne is a fantastic player. But we are not sure we agree that he could have carried Liverpool side’ during the 2000s as well as Gerrard did. Which is why the Liverpool legend will always be the number one in our eyes.
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