Mark Noble gives his verdict on the Steven Gerrard vs Frank Lampard debate

England’s golden generation may not have won trophies at the international level. They were, however, gifted with some of the finest players to grace the game in our era.

Two of them were midfielders, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. Talismans of two of England’s big clubs, the duo were direct rivals at the club level and incompatible teammates at the international stage.

Given their success and similar position, it is natural that comparisons between the two are common. They have now hung up their boots and are actively engaged in management. Yet, the debate rages on to this day as to who was better. Over time the argument expanded to involve Paul Scholes to the mix.

West Ham United skipper Mark Noble has decided to give it a whirl by giving his view on the matter. It’s fair to say we would agree wholeheartedly with him.

Noble took to Twitter (h/t Football.london) to give his two cents on the topic. The veteran believes that one only realizes how good the trio was after you have played against them.

“All 3 were top top players in their own right but all round player Stevie G was the complete footballer.”

An agreeable verdict!

The Hammers skipper is under no illusion as to who wins the debate. Gerrard may not have won as many trophies as Lampard or Scholes. Lampard’s goalscoring ability also puts him ahead of the Anfield legend.

Yet, it is the ability to play a number of roles and excelling in it that took Gerrard to the top. Unlike his rivals, Gerrard carried a team that was average at best to heights that were never thought possible.

His ability to single-handedly win a match irrespective of the circumstances makes him stand head and shoulders above the rest as the finest midfielder of the three. Name another midfielder who has won the Champions League and FA Cup single-handedly, we’ll wait.

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Gerrard has played an incredible 710 games for Liverpool and has scored 186 goals and 115 assists. He has won seven major honours in his time at the club. It is likely that the debate will continue to rage but if you ask us, Noble’s verdict should be the end of it.