Sir Alex Ferguson: Gerrard & Lampard Aren’t World Class

Sir Alex Ferguson’s much-anticipated autobiography was released today and predictably it’s raised a few eyebrows after he claimed that neither Frank Lampard nor Steve Gerrard are truly world class players, according to the Mirror.

Lampard has scored 245 goals in 816 appearances throughout his career, winning over 100 international caps for England as well as 14 club honours including the Champions League and three Premier League titles.

The now 35-year-old was also runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2005 and while Ferguson admits the midfielder has been a fantastic servant for Chelsea, he doesn’t feel he had what it took to be classed as an ‘elite international footballer’.

The former United supremo was equally damming of Liverpool talisman Gerrard, who Ferguson claims was not a ‘top, top player’ despite also earning over 100 caps for England and winning 13 trophies throughout his career at Anfield – including a sensational individual performance to lift the Champions League in 2005.

Ferguson, in his autobiography, wrote:

“Lampard, for me, was a marvellous servant for Chelsea. But I didn’t think of him as an elite international footballer. And I’m one of the few who felt Gerrard was not a top, top player.” [source: Mirror]

While Ferguson’s comments look harsh considering what the two players have achieved in the game, his criticism of Gerrard goes against what he said back in January when he revealed it was his ‘dream’ to sign Gerrard from Liverpool, classing the player as the second best ever midfielder to play for the club.

 “Could you imagine me going to bed at night having taken Gerrard off Liverpool?

“Along with Graeme Souness, he’s probably the best midfield player Liverpool have ever had, although I have Souness just above them all.

“It’s amazing that he has played every minute of every game in the Premier League this season – and at the age of 33.” Ferguson is quoted as saying by the Mirror in January

Perhaps Ferguson is just continuing his long-running rivalry with Liverpool by having a cheeky dig at their captain now he’s retired? Or maybe he was referring more to how the two players perform on the international stage? They may both have over 100 caps, but their form for England – and in particular their partnership together – has often been questioned in the past.

Either way, I’m sure Chelsea and Liverpool fans will have a few choice words for Sir Alex after reading this particular extract from his book.

What do you make of Ferguson’s comments? Is he right; are Gerrard and Lampard not world class? Share your views below.