Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has told Joey Barton - Steven Gerrard is the best midfielder in the country. Full stop.
Newcastle United midfielder Barton has claimed he's England's best.
But Dalglish snapped back in the Mail on Sunday: "Joey Barton appears to have passed comment on who the best midfielders are in the country. So I'd like to give Liverpool captain Steve Gerrard a plug at what is a difficult time for him with injuries.
"Steven is the best, full stop. I've known him for years, but it's only since January I've had the privilege to work with him up close. He has been fantastic and often puts his club, and country, before himself and he has played when maybe he shouldn't have.
"The work he has put in to get himself fit has been incredible. He has put his body through the mincer to play and deserves a bit of luck over injuries. Hopefully the prolonged break to rest his groin injury will see him return as strong as ever and still the best midfielder in England."
