Steven Gerrard has reflected on his illustrious playing career by naming the best teammates he ever shared the pitch with, offering a fascinating insight into the elite level of talent that surrounded him at both club and international level. The former Liverpool and England captain revealed that narrowing the list down to a single team proved impossible, prompting him to select two separate five-a-side line-ups—one representing Liverpool, and the other England.
Renowned as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Gerrard enjoyed a remarkable 17-year spell at Anfield, where he won eight major trophies, including two FA Cups and the iconic UEFA Champions League Final 2005. On the international stage, he earned 114 caps for England and captained his country at two World Cups and one European Championship.
Speaking during a discussion with former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, Gerrard admitted that choosing just one dream team was too difficult given the quality of players he played alongside. His solution was to create two distinct teams—both excluding goalkeepers—to fairly represent his club and country experiences.
Liverpool Five-a-Side: Power, Balance, and Firepower
When it came to selecting his Liverpool teammates, Gerrard’s choices highlighted the spine of some of the club’s most competitive sides during the Premier League era.
In defence, he opted for Sami Hyypiä, edging out long-time partner Jamie Carragher. Gerrard acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but ultimately leaned toward Hyypiä at his peak.
“The best defender I played with at Liverpool was either Carragher or Hyypiä,” Gerrard explained. “But overall, at his best, I would choose Hyypiä. He was an outstanding player and cost the club just two million pounds.”
In midfield, Gerrard selected Xabi Alonso and Dietmar Hamann—a partnership that underpinned Liverpool’s most famous European nights. Gerrard was particularly keen to highlight Hamann’s often-underappreciated influence.
“Didi Hamann was a player who didn’t always get the credit he deserved,” Gerrard said. “But tactically and mentally, he was so important for us.”
Up front, there was little hesitation. Gerrard chose Luis Suárez and Fernando Torres, two strikers who terrorized Premier League defences during their peaks at Anfield.
“Overall, Suárez was the more complete player—he was like an animal,” Gerrard admitted. “But when Torres and Suárez were both at their absolute best, they were phenomenal.”
England Five-a-Side: Icons of an Era
For his England selection, Gerrard assembled a team packed with household names, reflecting the so-called “golden generation” he was part of during the 2000s.
At the back, Gerrard picked Ashley Cole, describing him as the best left-back in the world during his prime. Cole’s defensive intelligence and ability to neutralize elite wingers left a lasting impression on Gerrard.
In midfield, the Liverpool legend chose Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard—two players often compared with Gerrard himself throughout their careers. While the trio were frequently debated by fans and pundits, Gerrard made clear his admiration for both.
The attacking positions were filled by Alan Shearer, England’s all-time leading goalscorer, and Wayne Rooney, one of the most versatile and gifted forwards the country has produced.
Special Praise for Paul Scholes
Among all his selections, Gerrard reserved particularly high praise for Paul Scholes. The former Manchester United midfielder, known for his vision and passing range, remains one of Gerrard’s most admired opponents-turned-teammates.
“In my opinion, without any doubt, Scholes would be the best midfielder in the Premier League if he were playing right now,” Gerrard stated.
He believes Scholes’ intelligence and technical quality would make him even more dominant in today’s possession-focused era, a claim that has reignited long-standing debates among English football fans.
A Career Surrounded by Greatness
Gerrard’s two five-a-side teams serve as a reminder of the extraordinary talent he encountered throughout his career. From Champions League winners at Liverpool to global stars with England, the midfielder spent nearly two decades competing at the highest level.
While team success with England ultimately fell short of expectations, Gerrard’s individual career remains one of the most respected in modern football. His selections underline not only his appreciation for world-class ability, but also the importance of balance, mentality, and chemistry within a team.
In naming these players, Gerrard offered more than just nostalgia. He provided a snapshot of footballing excellence across two environments, reinforcing why his era continues to be remembered as one of the most talent-rich periods in English football history.
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