James Milner: “Even Lionel Messi would struggle to replace Steven Gerrard at Liverpool”

We reckon James Milner just might rate Steven Gerrard as a footballer.

Liverpool's brand spanking new signing has spoken about the void left by the LA-residing former Reds captain and doesn't think there's a player alive that could fill his boots, not even a little fella by the name of Lionel Messi. Speaking to abc during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Australia, Milner revealed just how irreplaceable Gerrard is in his eyes.

"I don't think there's someone on the planet who could replace Gerrard for what he did for Liverpool football club over the years, so as a team we need to replace his output. And I'm sure that can be done, but me personally, I'm a different player to him and I'll do my job and do what I do best. Even Messi would struggle to replace Stevie for what he's done for Liverpool over the years. What he's done on and off the field, as a player and as a captain, as a person, he's been amazing. It's a big void to fill but I'm sure as a team we can do that."

That's a pretty bold claim and it's prompted us to create a poll to see if you think Gerrard could actually be replaced at Liverpool. I mean, that Messi lad is quite good isn't he?