Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has admitted that he would like to see Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo square off in this season's Champions League final.
As reported by the Mirror, Gerrard, who has been speaking on BT Sport, claims he wants English clubs to do well in the competition, but would love to see Real Madrid take on Barcelona in the final.
The former Reds skipper believes the duo of Ronaldo and Messi are so good that 'we may never see two incredible talents going head-to-head again'.
SIGN UP NOW
Want to become a GMS writer? Sign up now and submit a 250 word test article: https://gms.to/haveyoursay4
Gerrard stated: “Any manager in the world can set up his team to stop these two, and it might not be enough. With the right tactics, every other mere mortal can be stopped, but more often than not you can’t keep Messi or Ronaldo quiet.
“I don’t think Messi has ever scored against Chelsea in the Champions League, and with a manager who is cagey enough to set his team up as a defensive unit they are probably the best-equipped English team to stop him right now.
Brilliant duo
“We all want English clubs to do well.
"After last season’s disappointing performance by our clubs in Europe I thought it was just a blip. But after three defeats out of four in the first week, maybe it’s more of a problem than I thought.
“Now that I’m looking from outside England, even though I want our teams to win it, a Barcelona-Real Madrid final would be a phenomenal showpiece for everyone to enjoy.
“I might be proved wrong, but I look at the records these lads are breaking and we may never see two incredible talents going head-to-head again.
“We might see a single player emerge to become the world’s best, but to have a pair of them taking the game to new levels at rival clubs is a unique situation.
“Enjoy them while you can because I would be surprised if their figures are ever repeated.”
Amazing battle
There's no doubt about it, a Champions League final with the duo of Ronaldo and Messi really would prove a remarkable one. They are by some way the best footballers on the planet, but it can't go on forever.
Over the course of the next couple of years, Ronaldo will be approaching the latter stages of his career, while Messi isn't too far behind him.
Premier League struggles
One thing is for sure, England's elite clubs will have to hit top form to stop the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Co. It's going to be difficult, though. Manchester United are improving, but don't appear to be strong enough to challenge the elite clubs of European football.
Manchester City are seemingly unable to perform in Europe, while Arsenal don't mentally ready to go all the way. Chelsea, despite their domestic struggles, could be the biggest threat from the Premier League, but they must prove their credentials sooner rather than later.
Who do you think will win this season's Champions League? Have your say below!
Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: https://www.givemesport.com/writeforgms
