Veron was amazing for “Manure” (ah- witty and original play on words there)? Well, he won the league, had some great games, scored some great goals. He just couldn’t play alongside Keane. He also won the League in Italy, back when it still meant something. And in Argentina. And was the key player in those winning teams. But then you know that, right?

Gerrard was always a Central Midfielder. That was his position. He went on in interviews about how that was where he wanted to play etc, he played there for England and Liverpool, he compared himself to Keane and Vieira…Until Benitez saw that he wasn’t up to it and started using him as a second striker instead. Even then, its Torres that makes that possible with his running, movement and awareness. So my point is basically that he is a failure as a Central Midfielder, which says a lot about this “best player in the World”.

Ronaldo – I abhor his personality too. He, like so many pampered multi-millionaire footballers, is a bit of a dick. A sulking stupid egotist, and yes, a bit of a cheat. But you surely can’t be questioning his talent?

And the fact of his cheating doesn’t make Stevie G any less of a cheat – he dives to win free kicks and pens once every game or two. Atletico at Anfield this season? He may be good at seeming humble in interviews, but his behaviour on the pitch (and in the odd nightclub) suggests he isn’t all that much of a nice guy either…

And you don’t care about how he plays for England. Well, me neither, not being English. But you can learn a lot about a player by watching them play in the unfamiliar surrounds of their national team. Gerrard is used to being the Main Man at Liverpool. Not here. Wayne Rooney shows up and tries harder, raises his game, but not Stevie G. He disappears. His lack of tactical discipline is made obvious by his inability to play – and stick to – the left midfield position. Lampard is a better option in central midfield because his passing is more consistent, Rooney a better option in the hole because he is more imaginative and creative. So Gerrard gets shunted around by Capello who wants to use him, but just can’t figure out where. It makes me laugh.

I dont understand your point that Gerrard cant play centre midfield. So what?? his position is as a second striker. ronaldo shows his genius on a consistent level?? He has had a great season. I have never seen a bigger cheat than ronaldo, to his team mates and his fans. watch him when he misplaces a pass. It has to be someone elses fault, throwing his hands up in the air. he is a dispicable character.

I never said Gerrard was technically as good as Messi. And his “hit and hope” screamers are done on a consistent level in the most important games. Those over the ball tackles are completely gone from Gerrards game now and I couldnt care less how he plays for England.

Gerrard is a very good player, and you’re right he can be incredibly influential. But he’s more in the mould of Brian Robson – his effectiveness comes from his directness, his stamina, his determination and his leadership. Technically he isn’t anywhere near Messi, for all the head down hit-and-hope screamers he scores from outside the box. He never had the tactical nous or discipline to play central midfield (proven by that Champions League final, when it was the arrival of Didi Hamann which provided Liverpool with an actual shape lacking when Gerrard was charging all over the pitch trying to do everything and leaving a big hole where he should have been), he’s as bad a diver a Ronaldo ever was, he often goes over the ball in tackles, and he goes awol in more or less every game he plays for England. Did I leave anything out?

But don’t get me wrong, I admire him as a player, hes a great Captain, and he shows signs of developing a nice relationship with Rooney at International level. But for me, he’s not in the same league as Messi. Or Mascherano, Riquelme, Veron, Lucho Gonzalez….

Or in other words: the easiest way to wind up any Liverpool fan is to criticise Stevie MBE, eh?

Top site you have here by the way. Would you be able to email me when you get the chance? There is something I would like to run by you.

Thanks

Thomas

A Liverpool fan calling into Radio 5 just after the match said this, and when the presenter asked what he thought of Messi, this fan replied ‘I’ve heard Messi’s good yeah, of course… I’ve not really seen him play, to be honest… but Gerrard’s just on another level at the moment.’

A couple of hours later Messi scored against Málaga. It was the kind of goal he seems to score every other week, and the kind of goal I’ve never seen Steven Gerrard score even once in his career.

For future reference, if you ever read anything in my articles that you suspect might be a joke, then it probably is. Apart from when I reported Maradona had been appointed. That actually happened.