Zinedine Zidane, widely considered one of football’s greatest ever midfielders, once expressed profound admiration for a particular British legend, declaring him “head and shoulders above everyone” due to his exceptional technical ability and unwavering commitment on the pitch. Such high praise from a maestro like Zidane carries immense weight, underscoring the extraordinary talent of the player in question.

The context for this glowing assessment emerged during an interview conducted for Liverpool TV, where Zidane was specifically asked about former Reds captain Steven Gerrard ahead of his final match for the club. Zidane meticulously dissected Gerrard’s playing style, highlighting a rare blend of inherent skill and relentless effort that set him apart from his contemporaries.

According to Zidane, Gerrard exemplified the English football culture of giving absolute best, noting his “tremendous amount of energy” during matches. Beyond the sheer physicality, the French icon emphasized Gerrard’s superior technical attributes, explaining that he maintained an elite level of technique without ever compromising his formidable work rate, a unique combination that consistently made a decisive difference in games.

This wasn’t an isolated incident of praise; Zidane had previously defended the Liverpool icon when his quality was questioned by others, notably Sir Alex Ferguson. When pressed on the reasons behind his deep respect for Gerrard, Zidane alluded to a personal connection, suggesting that elements of Gerrard’s game and character mirrored his own distinguished career.

Zidane elaborated on this intriguing parallel, describing Gerrard as a player he held in exceptionally high regard, stating, “Perhaps there was something about him that reminded me a little bit of myself.” He pointed to Gerrard’s impactful presence on the field contrasted with a quieter, grounded demeanor off it, preferring to let his combative spirit and ball-playing ability speak volumes in critical moments.

As a 1998 Ballon d’Or winner and a pivotal figure in teams that clinched both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, Zidane’s perspective is steeped in unparalleled experience. His endorsement of Steven Gerrard not only elevates the British star’s standing but also offers a rare glimpse into the mutual respect shared among footballing giants.

Despite their shared era, Zidane remarkably never faced Steven Gerrard in a competitive match at Anfield. Nevertheless, the Frenchman openly conveyed his desire to have played alongside Gerrard at some point in his illustrious career, a testament to the profound respect and understanding he held for the Liverpool legend’s immense contributions to the beautiful game.