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Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard
Alex Chivers
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard
Zinedine Zidane has revealed who was the better leader out of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
The former Real Madrid midfielder was an effective leader himself during his own playing career, and captained France during the 2006 World Cup.
Zidane never played alongside either Lampard or Gerrard, but weighed in on the classic debate between the two back in 2013.
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Asked which player was a better leader ahead of the 2014 World Cup, Zidane told the BBC's Match of the Day Kickabout: "The one that is standing out and is really a leader is Lampard."
Lampard played a total of 915 games for West Ham, Swansea City, Chelsea, Manchester City and New York City in a glittering career that spanned two decades.
He captained Chelsea 83 times, including in the 2012 Champions League final when John Terry was suspended.
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However, it was Gerrard who was preferred as England captain over his midfield teammate. He wore the armband 38 times for his country and led the team at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, as well as the 2012 European Championships.
Lampard did become the 109th captain of England, against Denmark in 2011, but more often served as vice captain for the Three Lions between 2010 and 2014.
Zidane’s answer might also surprise some people because he has said he would rather have played with Gerrard over Lampard and Paul Scholes.
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“I have said in the past that at his peak he [Gerrard] was the best in the world,” said Zidane in 2015.
“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.”
He added: “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.”
Gerrard played 710 times for Liverpool and won nine major trophies, including the Champions League and two FA Cups before moving to LA Galaxy in 2015.