Zinedine Zidane once stated that a British footballer was "head and shoulders" above his rivals, such was his technical ability. The Frenchman went on record to express his admiration of the player, a testament to just how highly he rated him.
'Zizou' himself enjoyed a legendary career, playing at the heart of a dominant French team that won the World Cup and European Championship within a two-year period. Using his skill and talents to also fire Juventus and Real Madrid to multiple pieces of silverware, 1998 Ballon d'Or winner is indisputably one of the greatest players of all time.
To receive any sort of praise from the maestro is quite the honour. But in a sit-down interview, one player in particular was showered with compliments by the Frenchman.
Zidane on "Technically Gifted" Player
Player reminded French icon of himself
Zinedine Zidane
In an interview for Liverpool TV, Zidane was asked a series about club legend Steven Gerrard ahead of his final match for the club. And when questioned about the way he played, the former midfielder said that he was clear of everyone when it came to technical ability and work rate.
"He is someone who puts in a tremendous amount of energy when he is on the field, a lot of energy," he said. "I think it's almost part of English players' football culture to not give anything but their best, and he certainly never held anything back.
"But in addition to that, I think he was also a very technically gifted player. He had that ability to remain head and shoulders above everyone with his technique without ever easing up on his work rate. That was the difference that he made on the field and he would demonstrate it time and time again."
It's not the only time that Zidane has expressed just how good he thought Gerrard was. The Frenchman came out in defence of his fellow midfielder when Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that the Liverpool man was not a top player. And asked why he liked him so much, 'Zizou' said that Gerrard had a lot of similarities to himself.
"He's a player that I really thought a lot of," Zidane said. "I had a lot of time for him and rated him. I can't say that about everyone. Why did I like him so much? Perhaps there was something about him that reminded me a little bit of myself.
"He made a lot of noise on the field, but he was quiet off it, meaning that he was someone who was down to earth and grounded away from the game who just said what needed to be said. He preferred to do his talking on the field, his combative spirit and, above all, his ability on the ball could make the difference in a game."
Zidane's Only Match Against Gerrard
France star scored twice against England at Euro 2004
The respect between the pair goes both ways, with Gerrard describing Zidane as "a god" when asked to name his toughest opponents. And that reverence comes despite the pair sharing the pitch just once in their careers.
Their solitary meeting came at Euro 2004. France and England were both drawn in Group B, as Zidane led a stacked Les Bleus side which included Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Claude Makelele and David Trezeguet. Gerrard lined up alongside club rivals Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes on the opposite side.
Despite the Three Lions taking the lead through Lampard in the first half, France hit back in brutal fashion. Zidane equalised in the 91st minute of the game, before the French legend scored from the penalty spot two minutes later to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Zidane actually never played a match against Liverpool during his career, meaning that he never saw Gerrard play at Anfield. But, he did say that he would have loved to have played alongside him at some point in his career.
"I would have really liked to play alongside him. But he has always remained loyal to his own club, Liverpool, the club of his heart. That is also another characteristic that is particular to him. I don't think there are too many players who have spent their entire career playing for just one club. That is a great strength of his too."