Zinedine Zidane didn't hesitate when asked if he'd have rather played alongside Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard

Zinedine Zidane revealed his preference out of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard when he named the player he wished to play in midfield alongside.

A number of players have commented on the age-old debate, with plenty of different arguments for each answer. But Zidane's take on the burning question is evident, as he has waxed lyrical about former Liverpool and England skipper Gerrard back in 2015.

At the time Gerrard had just announced he was leaving his beloved Reds after a 26-year association to finish his career with LA Galaxy in the MLS.

Zidane, Ballon d'Or winner in 1998, weighed in and admitted that once upon a time he considered Gerrard to be the best player in the world - rating him so highly that he asked Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign him.

“I have said in the past that at his peak he [Steven Gerrard] was the best in the world,” Zidane said, as per the Daily Mail.

“I think it was the summer of 2004 I was having a conversation with Florentino (Perez), and I told him I wanted him to partner me in midfield for Madrid.”

According to Zidane, Real made two attempts to sign Gerrard when he was at Liverpool but though he was disappointed he never got to play with him, the Frenchman commended the loyalty displayed.

“I know the club tried twice, but he wouldn't leave Liverpool. Not many players turn down Real Madrid but I think that tells you a lot about the loyalty of the man,” explained Zidane

“It is incredible he has never won a league title, but he has had success with Liverpool."

Steven Gerrard battles with Zinedine Zidane. Image: Getty

In an interview filmed for an LFCTV documentary, Zidane continued his praise for Gerrard, saying he "would have really liked to have played alongside him" and describing him as a player "that I really thought a lot of".

He proceeded to go into detail of just why he has such admiration for Gerrard.

“Why did I like him so much? Perhaps there was something about him that reminded me a little bit of myself.

“He made a lot of noise out there on the field but was quiet off it, meaning that he was someone down to earth and grounded away from the game who just said what needed to be said.

"He preferred to do his talking on the field, using his voice, his combative spirit and above all his ability on the ball that could make the difference in a game.”