Ahead of Olympique Marseille's clash with Liverpool, Djibril Cisse has declared former Reds teammate Steven Gerrard as the best player in the world.

"In my opinion Steven Gerrard is the best player in his position anywhere in the world. He is magnificent," he said.

"At times it seems like he can win a match all on his own. He has such ability to dominate a game, to turn a game around or run away with it.

"He scores goals, he makes goals and he stops goals. He is the all round, all action midfielder. He is a great guy and a good friend.

"When the draw was made I was looking over at Bolo Zenden to see who we would get. And as soon as Liverpool were drawn I was straight on the phone to Steve. I said to him: 'Are you ready for this?' and he just laughed and said: 'Yes, we're ready for you'.

"So it will be great to go back to Anfield and see all my other friends there. I think it will be very special although a little strange wearing a different coloured shirt.

"But I'm sure the atmosphere will be amazing. There is something incredible about the big Euro nights at Anfield, maybe because the club has such a great tradition in European competition."