Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has baulked at the debate over whether Steven Gerrard is Liverpool's greatest ever player. Ancelotti is all too familiar with the inspirational powers of Gerrard. He was the victim when AC Milan conceded three goals in six minutes and lost the 2005 Champions League final to Liverpool on penalties after leading 3-0 at half-time.
Gerrard scored the first goal of that epic Istanbul comeback, pushed forward into the advanced role from where he often causes the most damage.
"He plays in a very dangerous position for us,' said Ancelotti. 'We have to control that position because he is able to give the final pass to Fernando Torres and is dangerous shooting from distance.
"He is the complete midfielder. He can be a holding midfielder, he has fantastic shots, passes and skills. When I played, there were players like Giancarlo Antognoni and Rainer Bonhof but today Gerrard, full stop.
"I don't know if he is Liverpool's best player of all time. I don't have a good memory but Kenny Dalglish was a fantastic player for them. Ian Rush too.
"With Gerrard, Liverpool won fantastic trophies. They didn't win the Premier League but they won the Champions League. They can do the same again. Not this year but in the future."
Click here for the best Chelsea coverage on the 'net. All your Blues news and gossip in one spot.