Source: Daily_Mail
Raul Meireles ranks Steven Gerrard with Michael Essien and Andres Iniesta as world's best
Raul Meireles is relieved to be playing in the same team as Steven Gerrard as he rates the Liverpool midfielder as one of his toughest opponents. [LNB]Meireles squared up to Gerrard during his time with Porto before signing on at Anfield in the summer. [LNB]And the 27-year-old puts the Reds skipper alongside the likes of Michael Essien and Andres Iniesta. [LNB] Middle men: Meireles (right) is enjoying playing with Reds hero Gerrard [LNB]He said: 'For a long time, I have said that Gerrard is one of the top three midfielders in the game. [LNB]'Along with Michael Essien of Chelsea and Andres Iniesta of Barcelona, he has been the most difficult opponent I have faced over the years. Now I am his team-mate. I think we can combine well together.' [LNB]Gerrard was in fine form and scored twice as Liverpool lost 3-2 to bitter rivals Manchester United at the weekend.[LNB]Meireles added in LFC Weekly: 'I can sympathise with people like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher because, like me, they are players who have played for the major club in their city.[LNB] 'That brings pressures that are difficult to deal with because when things go wrong, the local players sometimes feel the frustrations of the supporters a lot more.' [LNB] I won't go route one for Roy: Agger speaks out against Liverpool bossWhy has the fizz left Liverpool? Reds suffer from two decades of problemsYanks for nothing: Tom Hicks nears refinancing deal to stay on at AnfieldDon't worry Diego, you're just like Crouch! Benitez consoles out-of-form Milito by comparing him Spurs forwardLIVERPOOL FC
