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Kevin Keegan is regarded as one of the most iconic midfielders in English football history. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner is sometimes overlooked when discussions turn to the greatest players in midfield, but his achievements speak for themselves.
After winning the English First Division three times, as well as a European Cup and several domestic honours during his six-year stint with Liverpool, the former Three Lions international headed abroad to make his mark on the continent. He played a key role as Hamburg secured the German top-flight title in 1979, with Keegan claiming his second Ballon d'Or award in as many years.
Modern fans may know him better for his managerial career. An impressive spell with Newcastle United saw Keegan come close to overcoming Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the race for the Premier League title.
When his time at St James' Park ended, he was given the chance to take charge of his country. During that brief spell, Keegan managed some of the finest players England had produced over the previous 25 years.
Keegan Managed 'the Best Player of His Generation'
Kevin Keegan
Although his time in charge of the national side lasted only from 1999 to 2000, he had the honour of handing a young Steven Gerrard his England debut. The Liverpool midfielder was developing into one of the best the Premier League has ever seen.
The man who gave him his first international cap was also quick to praise the Reds' hero following his departure from Anfield in 2015. Keegan said that he considered Gerrard the finest player of his era. Speaking to beIN Sport (via The Mirror), the former England boss said:
Gerrard may have never lifted the Premier League trophy during his near two-decade spell with his boyhood club, but he did equal Keegan's tally of major European honours won with Liverpool. He was outstanding as Liverpool completed the greatest comeback in Champions League history against AC Milan in 2005.
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Keegan was surrounded by world-class talent while he was dominating on the red side of Merseyside, but Gerrard did not enjoy the same fortune. During his praise of his former player, the England legend added: "The sad thing that’s missing on Steven Gerrard’s CV is he's got hardly any trophies for all he gave Liverpool Football Club, and he gave them an awful lot.
Keegan's Managerial Prediction Didn't Work Out
REUTERS/Marcos Brindicci
While praising Gerrard as a player, Keegan predicted that the Scouser would take charge in the Anfield dugout within the following decade if he decided to pursue management. As of 2026, over a decade after Keegan made those comments, the former midfield star appears further away than ever from fulfilling that ambition. His former manager had said:
Gerrard made a promising start to his managerial career, ending Celtic's dominance in Scottish football by leading Rangers to an unbeaten league triumph.
A move to Aston Villa proved far more difficult, with Gerrard dismissed while Villa were hovering just above the relegation zone. He has since left his position as Al-Ettifaq manager following a less-than-fruitful spell in Saudi Arabia.