Kevin Nolan faced a number of incredible midfielders during his career, but there was one that stands out above the rest.
The 42-year-old played in the Premier League and the Championship between 1999 and 2015 for Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham.
During that time he came up against some true legends of the game right at their very peak.
The likes of Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
But it was Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard that was Nolan’s toughest opponent.
Gerrard scored 186 goals for Liverpool in 710 senior appearances in a storied career at Anfield.
Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Nolan said: “The one who always stands out is Stevie. Stevie’s the top one because he could do anything.
“Everyone doesn’t realise how good he was because like until you’re actually there and you think actually I’ve got him, I’m having a good game here, I’m doing alright.
“Next minute he’s just scored a goal and you’re thinking ‘didn’t see that one there’. It was just the way he was. He had a fire.
“I remember playing against Robbie Fowler years and years before. We played them behind closed doors and it was about Robbie getting back for an injury but also Gerrard played in that game.
Nolan made 401 Premier League appearances
Nolan says Liverpool legend Gerrard was the best opponent he facedCredit: AFP
“That’s when I just realised he was head and shoulders above everybody on that game and that day.
“I’ve got to say Stevie. He was a legend of the game.”
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Nolan was part of David Moyes’ staff at West Ham, but has now left the club.
That has given him the taste of coaching and he is eyeing up more roles in the dugout in the future.
“I definitely do want to do that again,” he said. “I feel like it’s coming up to that time. I feel like I’ve dipped my toe in it.
“I had a great couple of seasons at County. I feel like I’d still have a bit of unfinished business with that, but it was football.
“It was someone making the decision out of my hands, but, you never say never going back there.
