England have had some brilliant midfielders over the years. Historically, the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton, Paul Gascoigne, Glenn Hoddle, and Nobby Stiles spring to mind.
In the more modern era, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham all impressed with the Three Lions. For many, though (including Kaka), the best of the lot was Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool legend picked up over 100 caps for his country and had an iconic career at Anfield, most famously captaining the Reds in the 2005 Champions League triumph.
Gerrard was so good, in fact, it could be argued that others in the same era were consequently overlooked. Former manager Gerard Houllier certainly seemed to feel that way.
Gerard Houllier Praised Danny Murphy
"He is gifted, certainly more gifted than he thinks himself"
In 2002, Danny Murphy had just been announced as a late call-up to Sven-Goran Eriksson's England team for the World Cup. While Liverpool teammate Gerrard was very much viewed as a star heading into the competition, injury has ruled him out.
As such, Murphy – viewed as more of an afterthought – would be going to the tournament instead. Amid the nation's disappointment, however, Houllier insisted that the English midfielder deserved far more credit. He even went as far as to say he could be England's answer to Michel Platini, explaining:
"If I had to compare Danny Murphy to any player I have seen or worked with, then it would be Michel Platini."
"He reminds me so much of Platini because of how brilliantly Danny can read the game. Michel was not only fantastic because of his skill and his will to win, but because he was a great thinker of the game. I worked with him so I know, and like Platini, Danny is a bright footballer.
"It is not just that Danny can play in different positions for me, he also adapts automatically to the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition. Danny is someone who has shown only 60% of what he can do. He is gifted, certainly more gifted than he thinks himself."
Danny Murphy for England
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Houllier Took Credit For Murphy's Improvement
"So I told him that he was not doing the right things"
Houllier, perhaps, was a little biased. After all, the Frenchman was Murphy's manager at the time and was even keen to take a little credit for helping the midfielder improve. He noted:
"When I came to the club I thought 'This boy has some skill', but he did not seem to produce enough. So I told him that he was not doing the right things to look after himself. I made it clear that if he had a different attitude to his job, then he would develop as a player because he had the skill. Now look at him."
He added: "He has worked, I have worked and he has improved. I said to him that if he wanted to be a top player he absolutely had to be able to use his left foot. Also I told him that he had to work on his volleying, for which I gave him a couple of tips, and his heading."
Murphy was thankful to Houllier, too. After his call-up, he remarked: "Gerard Houllier created the right attitude in my head. He gets the best from his players."
Despite being set to go to the 2002 World Cup in place of Gerrard, Murphy never really made his mark as an England player. Sadly, he was also ruled out of the tournament after hurting his foot. As such, he would pick up just nine caps in total for the Three Lions, with his final game coming in 2003.
Stats via Transfermarkt