---
title: "Gerrard named in top 20 players of the 21st century"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/gerrard-named-in-top-20-players-of-the-21st-century/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-10-18T13:00:44Z"
modified: "2019-10-18T13:00:44Z"
---

# Gerrard named in top 20 players of the 21st century

Steven Gerrard has been ranked 18th in the [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/century-countdown-100-list-messi-ronaldo-zidane-ronaldinho-a9160546.html](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/century-countdown-100-list-messi-ronaldo-zidane-ronaldinho-a9160546.html)*[Independent](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/century-countdown-100-list-messi-ronaldo-zidane-ronaldinho-a9160546.html)*‘s countdown of the top 100 footballers of the 21st century.

The Liverpool legend is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, and one of the greatest English players of all time.

In a wonderful career, Gerrard earned numerous individual accolades, as well as winning one Champions League, one UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

The 39-year-old was named one place above Andriy Shevchenko and one below Sergio Busquets, with Lionel Messi pipping Cristiano Ronaldo to first prize.

Former Reds superstar Luis Suarez ranked 16th overall – the highest by any Liverpool player, past or present.

Virgil van Dijk (83rd) and Mohamed Salah (77th) were the only current Reds stars to be included.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Gerrard’s place in the top 20 is fully warranted, following such a stunning career.

The only central midfielders ahead of him are Busquets, Andrea Pirlo, Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta and Xavi – at his best, the former Liverpool skipper was a match for anyone, though.