Source: SKY_Sports
Better than Kaka?
Jason McAteer believes Steven Gerrard is arguably the best player in the world right now.[LNB] Liverpool captain Gerrard has been in stunning form in recent weeks, notching six goals in his last three games and bagging his first Premier League hat-trick in Sunday's 5-0 demolition of Aston Villa.[LNB]Former Liverpool midfielder McAteer claims that Gerrard is right up there with the likes of Kaka when it comes to discussing the best player in the world in his position and, on current form, he is even better than the AC Milan midfielder.[LNB]McAteer told Sky Sports News: "When a player like Steven Gerrard, arguably the best player in the world at the moment, gets space then he'll hurt you all day long.[LNB]"You can't really compare him to Lionel Messi because they both influence the game in different ways. [LNB]"The closest to Steven Gerrard at the moment is probably Kaka - and I would say Gerrard is above him in the best player ratings.[LNB]"He influences the team all over and it's not just about the goals. It's what he does off the ball, his movement and the way he brings players into the game."[LNB]InfluenceMcAteer feels Liverpool's current form is not solely down to the influence of Gerrard, but is based on strength throughout the team.[LNB]However, he feels Liverpool lack the squad depth of their title rivals Manchester United and hopes Rafael Benitez's star players come through the upcoming international break unscathed.[LNB]He said: "If you look up and down the spine of Liverpool's team you've got Reina playing fantastically well - then there's Carragher, Gerrard and Torres. [LNB]"When those four players are on their game they'll influence the rest of the team. Aurelio has been absolutely brilliant in the last four or five games and Riera played fantastically well on Sunday. We know all about Dirk Kuyt too. The whole team has played collectively.[LNB]"Unfortunately, what I'm worried about is this international break. It's just come at the wrong time - but it's a great time for Manchester United. [LNB]"Sir Alex Ferguson can go away, take stock of what's happened, bring his team back together and go from there.[LNB]"Liverpool will want to go out and play another league game. It's all about keeping those players fit because their squad's not as strong as Manchester United's."[LNB]LackMcAteer now believes the momentum is with Liverpool in the title race, but he admits his former club lack the experience that Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United possesses.[LNB]"I don't think you can ever write Liverpool off," he added.[LNB]"I've seen them a lot this season and they've not been in great form, but they've been hard to beat and when the chips have been down they've nicked points.[LNB]"We've had a lot of luck, but I was just waiting for them to find a bit of form and they've certainly done that over the last three games.[LNB]"I haven't seen them play better than this all season.[LNB]"But you can't rule out Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's got the blueprint, he's done it year in year out and we'll see how his players react.[LNB]"Winning this Premier League title is new to Rafa Benitez, but we've got the confidence and momentum to go into games and turn teams over."[LNB]
