Cesc Fabregas played against Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi but Liverpool star was toughest opponent

Steven Gerrard was the toughest opponent to face – he could do anything.

That’s the opinion of Cesc Fabregas, who has seen plenty of midfield battles during his Premier League career.

During his time at Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona, ​​Fabregas came up against the world’s elite, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

But with both attackers, Fabregas chose to name a player he regularly battled for the ball with in central midfield: Gerrard.

Speaking about the Reds icon, who he played against for both the Gunners and Blues, he told SPORTBible: “I always felt like he had everything in his locker.

“He could dictate the game, he could score goals, make assists, make runs in behind. Offensively he was very strong.

“You always felt that when you were playing him you had to be at the top of your game or you would be in trouble because he was very consistent.

“He was always eight, seven, eight, seven (out of 10).

“For me, he was a role model and someone, looking back, I really enjoy playing against him. I learned a lot from him.”

During Fabregas’ time in England, he and Gerrard were considered two of the best midfielders.

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Both men were named alongside each other in the 2007/08 PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

They were also part of the UEFA Team of the Year in 2006.

In total, Fabregas and Gerrard have shared the pitch on 18 occasions in all competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup.

Fabregas managed to score two goals against the former England skipper, while registering five assists.

And it was the Spaniard who came out on top in his head-to-head record, winning eight meetings, while losing four times and drawing six of his encounters.