When Steven Gerrard speaks, the footballing world listens. Few players have commanded as much respect and admiration as the Liverpool legend, whose career was defined by leadership, big-game heroics, and the ability to dictate matches from midfield.
Now, the former Liverpool captain has turned his eye to today’s generation of midfielders and his verdict has pleased many particularly Liverpool supporters.
During a recent Q&A session with ESPN, Gerrard was asked to name his top three midfielders in world football today.
Gerrard’s top three:
“Rodri (Manchester City), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)”
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has quickly become a key figure at Anfield, was ranked second overall, ahead of several high-profile stars.
Reports suggest Mac Allister was “blown away” by Gerrard’s endorsement a remarkable reaction for a player still in the early stages of his Liverpool career.
Gerrard’s own career is the gold standard for modern midfielders. Across more than 700 appearances for Liverpool, he became known for his drive, vision, technical skill, and ability to dominate matches. Gerrard’s combination of box-to-box energy, passing range, and goal-scoring ability set a benchmark for future generations.
When Gerrard evaluates midfielders today, he looks for intelligence, consistency, tactical awareness, and the ability to influence matches at the highest level. His placing of Mac Allister second in the world is recognition that the Argentine possesses many of these same qualities, adapted to the modern game.
At the top of Gerrard’s list is Rodri, Manchester City’s Spanish powerhouse. Central to Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning 2022/23 season, Rodri combines a commanding physical presence with exceptional positional intelligence, operating as both destroyer and deep-lying playmaker. His goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan underscored his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha rounds out the trio. Still in his early twenties, the Portuguese midfielder has established himself as one of Europe’s most technically gifted players, known for his vision, composure, and passing range.
And then there is Mac Allister. The Argentine has quickly become a cornerstone of Liverpool’s midfield. Calm, intelligent, and technically gifted, he brings stability, creativity, and energy a modern midfielder with the versatility to play multiple roles under former manager Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.
Arriving at Anfield after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, Mac Allister was immediately placed into a midfield in need of balance. Liverpool had struggled in 2022/23, criticised for lacking energy, control, and cohesion. The 26-year-old arrival coincided with a reshaping of the squad, bringing composure, creativity, and tactical intelligence.
Initially deployed as a deeper-lying midfielder under Klopp, he has thrived in a slightly more advanced position under Slot. His composure, vision, and ability to dictate play have allowed him to influence games in both defensive and attacking phases. Tireless in work rate, decisive in possession, and calm under pressure, he has become a leader by example and ultimately taken the side to become serial winners.
Being placed second only to Rodri is an endorsement few players receive, particularly from one of football’s all-time greats. Gerrard’s praise is more than flattery it reflects Mac Allister’s growing status as a world-class midfielder.
