Steven Gerrard is a living legend for Liverpool and many have claimed him to be one of the best players to have graced the game. Another current footballer has stated that the former Liverpool captain is the toughest player he has ever faced.

These words came out from Axel Witsel, the Belgian international. The 27-year-old is playing for Zenit Saint Petersburg at the moment and was speaking to the UEFA Europa League.

The Belgian was asked who was the best player he played against and said:

“That’s difficult. I’ve played against so many players. I’ll say Gerrard.”

Hulk, Zidane, Gerrard and Basketball

Learn all about @fczenit_en star @axelwitsel28 pic.twitter.com/k6OdQt4FrO

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) November 3, 2016

Witsel also stated that former teammate Hulk was the best player he has played with. Hulk is now playing in China with Shanghai SIPG.

Linked with a move to Merseyside

Witsel did also share who his idol was when growing up. Like many from the current generation of footballers, it was Zinedine Zidane, the France and Real Madrid legend that caught the Belgian’s eye.

Witsel has never played in the same league as Gerrard, though the Belgian has often been linked with a move to the Premier League. Even at the start of this season, Witsel was linked with a move to Everton but nothing came to fruition as Ronald Koeman’s side have done pretty well.

Gerrard, for his part, seems to have completed his tenure in the United States with the LA Galaxy. The Englishman did share a cryptic message recently and rumours are doing the rounds that the player would be joining Liverpool in some capacity next season or even in the January transfer window.

Gerrard would be a great addition to the side as his experience would certainly help the Liverpool team. The Englishman might not get a chance to play in the side but he would certainly take up a coaching role and that could help Jurgen Klopp out in the end.

Witsel could still make a move to the Premier League in January, should any side be looking to bolster their defence. The Belgian is perfect for the rough and tumble world of English football and even his countryman Steven Defour has been a decent enough signing for Burnley.

It certainly is a shame that Witsel is not in the Premier League at the moment and given his age, this is the best time for him to jump across.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYmGFORT1tc