Zidane: Forget Ronaldo and Messi, Gerrard's the best in the world

Steven Gerrard - and not Cristiano Ronaldo - has been labelled as the world's best best player by Zinedine Zidane ahead of Liverpool's crucial visit to Manchester United.The legendary former Real Madrid playmaker saw his old club dismantled by Gerrard's Liverpool on Tuesday night, when the Reds ran out 4-0 winners at Anfield, 5-0 on aggregate.England's midfield star scored two of the goals and ahead of tomorrow's crunch match at Old Trafford, Zidane has claimed he is a better all-round player than Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, the current World Player of the Year. Main man: Steven Gerrard scored twice against Real Madrid'Is he the best in the world? He might not get the attention of Lionel Messi and Ronaldo but yes, I think he just might be,' the former France captain said.'If you don't have a player like Steven Gerrard, who is the engine room, it can affect the whole team.Legend: Zidane in his Real days'When we were winning league titles and European Cups at Real, I always said Claude Makelele was our most important player.'There is no way myself, Luis Figo or Raul would have been able to do what we did without Claude and the same goes for Liverpool and Gerrard.'Zidane added: 'He has great passing ability, can tackle and scores goals, but most importantly he gives the players around him confidence and belief.'You can't learn that - players like him are just born with that presence.' Kings of the Kop: Sportsmail's guide to best double acts ever seen at AnfieldKings of the Kop: Sportsmail's guide to best double acts ever seen at AnfieldVidic demands United raise their game for Liverpool's Old Trafford visitLIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET  

Source: Daily_Mail