July 2010
Gerlonso overloading each other with compliments in November 2004.
Xabi about Stevie:
Gerrard is a spectacular player and he provides charisma for the team with his play, and is so important for the supporters. He plays in midfield but gives so much support to the attack also. He is a powerful player that could triumph at any club. Gerrard, in the Spanish league, would give exhibitions of his quality in every match. Liverpool have felt the absence of Gerrard, and England also. For the football the best news is his rapid return to fitness.
Stevie about Xabi:
I watch a lot of Spanish football on television and I cannot understand why Xabi is not one of the first names on their teamsheet. Obviously they have a lot of good midfielders in the likes of Baraja and Albelda, but Xabi is the best of them all. Everyone can see that he is a talented footballer. He can pass it long or short, is technically gifted and very rarely gives the ball away. But what has impressed me is his attitude and professionalism for such a young lad. He’s only 22 but he eats, sleeps and drinks football. He’s very similar to Jamie Carragher in that respect.
