Dominic Matteo says his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard could just "do it all" on the football field, and backed the Rangers boss to succeed even further in management.
Matteo, whose career also saw him line out with Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, and Stoke City, told LFCTV that Gerrard was the type of player who could influence a game no matter what position he was playing in.
“He could play anywhere on the football field.
This picture can only be used within the context of an editorial feature. Liverpool's Dominic Matteo (right) tussles for the ball with Manchester United's David Beckham during the FA Premiership football match at Old Trafford, Manchester.“I’ve played in games where he’s played right-back and been Man of the Match; centre-back, Man of the Match. He could just do it all. An incredible player and a great person.
“He just had the ability to change games at the highest level; at those moments only a couple of people can do that and he’s one of the few that can."
Gerrard took the reigns at Ibrox ahead of the 2018/19 season, guiding the 'Gers to their first win over Celtic since 2012 back in December.
Matteo, who played with Liverpool for eight years before departing for Elland Road in 2000, says he knows Gerrard is set to achieve a lot in his career in the dug-out.
“It was a privilege for me to watch him grow up and mature into the player he was and the manager he is. I’m sure he’ll go on to do a lot more in management as well because he’s an incredible leader and somebody you definitely want with you, not against you.”
Braga, 02/26/2020 - SC Braga hosted Rangers FC this afternoon, in the municipal stadium of Braga, in the second leg of the 16/20 finals of the Europa League 2019/20. Steven Gerrard (Pedro Correia / Global Imagens)Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Scotland star Pat Nevin told OTB Sports recently why prefers Gerrard to Roy Keane.
"If I was picking a team to win the game, Keane would be playing. You would put him straight in because you need something in there and that team will probably win 6-0. The team that I am picking is probably going to win 6-5!
"You are right to put Keane and Gerrard in the same conversation because they have a lot in common. They were so 'core' to their team, but there was a period where Stevie G was the team. He was basically the entire team. There were periods where they battling for competitions and it was all him.
"It was only from going to games that made me think about Stevie because it was the classic 'he's the best defender, the best midfielder and the best attacker.' It was one guy - it was ridiculous. I really would put him up there with the best I've ever seen.
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