Former Arsenal star Santi Cazorla has hailed Steven Gerrard ahead of Villarreal's Europa League meeting with Rangers on Thursday.
Gerrard's Rangers have travelled to Spain today as they prepare to open their campaign in the Europa League, with a group containing Rapid Vienna, Spartak Moscow and Villarreal.
Cazorla, who saw his Arsenal spell end in the summer and returned to Spain with Villarreal, came up against Gerrard in the Premier League when the Gunners faced Liverpool.
And the 33-year-old has immense respect for the Rangers manager.
Cazorla was quoted as saying by Spanish daily Sport: "Gerrard is and has always been a reference for me.
"I've had the luck to face him in the Premier League and he's always been a player I've noticed, since he was a total footballer.
"It's special to face him again", the midfielder added.
Gerrard led Rangers through the qualifying rounds to book a spot in the Europa League group stage and, after an eight-year absence from European competition proper, the pressure is off the Scottish giants heading into the tournament.
However, Gerrard will still have his eyes set on helping Rangers to reach the knockout stage after Christmas.
