Who is the World's Best? Candidate 8

Steven Gerrard: Liverpool's eternal captain is the best example of the complete midfielder. A playmaker, set-piece taker, goal scorer, defensive midfielder, and leader, Gerrard is the do-it-all man for Liverpool. Throughout his career, he has played right back, center back, defensive and attacking center mid, and wide mid (right and left). Recently, with important goals in the CL and in the EPL, Gerrard is the most clutch player the world has to offer, without a doubt. Liverpool's acquisition of Torres last year proved vital to Gerrard, as the two are one of the most feared 1-2 combinations in the world. It is clear that Liverpool will never walk alone, as long as Gerrard leads the way.

One can say there are few players like Riquelme, Deco, or Werder Bremen's Diego. One can also say there are few players like Gerrard because he is arguably the most complete player. However, Gerrard has been deemed as just one of the best in the world and not the best because of his lack of flair. You won't see Gerrard dribble three opponents and score. He depends too much on others to really pull off an individual play like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo can pull off, and these plays attract more attention than a game-winning strike in the 90th minute. He's just not that type of player/personality, and everyone knows, Player of the Year Awards are given to players that offer moments of individual brilliance. England's missing out on the Euro action will hurt his chances as well.