'The toughest': Former Chelsea midfielder claims Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard was even tougher than Roy Keane

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool’s former captain is widely considered as one of the best midfielders of his generation.The team that the Reds have now is filled to the brim with star players, something that could not always be said.In the past, Liverpool have had a few superstars that the team was built around, rather than having one in each position.The obvious star they had was Steven Gerrard, with the former captain a key part of the team across his 17-year Anfield career.However, because he never won the Premier League, he is often considered below some other legends, with one of these being Roy Keane.Despite this, ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel believes that there was something that made the scouser better despite never lifting the title.Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty ImagesSteven Gerrard was the toughest player John Obi Mikel ever facedThe Premier League is synonymous with having some of the best midfielders to ever play the game, with Gerrard and Keane always in the conversation. Gerrard had everything to his game, while Keane had the leadership and the trophies to support his case, hence why it is so tough to pick one of them.However, Obi Mikel seems to be a little more sure as to who is better, with the Nigerian believing Gerrard had more to his all-round game.“He is the toughest midfield player I’ve ever played against.

Steven Gerrard,” Mikel said on talkSPORT.“Tougher than Keane?” He was asked.“I didn’t play against Keane so many times, but Steven Gerrard, he can run, he’s quick, his left foot is so good, right foot is so good, he can tackle, he can shoot, he can do everything. He’s complete.”READ MORE: John Barnes says Liverpool sold a player who he loved even more than Mo SalahBoth in their own right are two of the best captains the league has ever seen too, although ability wise, Gerrard might just gain the edge.Prime Steven Gerrard is exactly who Liverpool need in their team right nowOne of the main reasons Gerrard never won the Premier League was nothing to do with his ability, but instead the players he had around him.He was never blessed with the most talented teammates, with there never being more than a few quality players around him.However, if he was put into Arne Slot’s team now in his prime, he would win the lot, with Gerrard the exact profile the Dutchman needs in his team.He needs a number eight who can do it all by covering the defence, but also scoring screamers at times of need.This is exactly what the Englishman used to do and if he was born 10 years or so later, he could have been head and shoulders above any midfielder the league has seen.