Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has lavished praise on Steven Gerrard, saying that the Reds’ captain has been one of the greatest players to have graced the Premier League and he feels privileged to have played with the 34-year-old.
Gerrard has announced his departure from Liverpool at the conclusion of the current season and he will be joining MLS outfit LA Galaxy from the summer onwards.
A product of Liverpool’s youth academy, Gerrard has been a first team presence for the Merseyside giants since his debut in 1998. Through the course of his time at Anfield, the veteran midfielder won the Champions League in 2005 and two FA Cups – in 2001 and 2006.
And Lallana feels that the 34-year-old is one of the greatest players to have played in the Premier League, adding that the Liverpool captain always shone on the big stage, making decisive contributions in important matches.
“He’s easily up there with the best we’ve ever seen in the Premier League”, the 26-year-old told his club’s site.
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“You think of the Champions League final in 2005 and the FA Cup final a year later, he’s always been the ‘go-to man’.
“He has always contributed massively to this club’s success.
“He delivers on the biggest stages. He’s done that throughout his career.
“He’s so calm under pressure and that’s something you can’t buy. It’s instilled in you and he’s going to be sadly missed.”
Lallana, who joined Liverpool from Southampton at the start of the current season, has expressed his delight at being able to share the dressing room with Gerrard this season.
However, he rues the fact that his association with the Liverpool legend couldn’t last longer.
“It’s a shame it’s only been for one season, but I feel privileged to be able to say I’ve played with him. It’s been a great honour.
“Watching him on a daily basis has certainly helped me both on and off the pitch.”
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