9 Assists, 7 Goals: Pirlo Praises Gerrard, Here's Why I Agree

Andrea Pirlo - a man with almost 700 club appearances spread across a decade of professional football, with over 100 senior caps for his country, Italy, and a man who can boast 10 major trophies with his current side, another four with Juventus and a World Cup winners medal. He also has a wealth of individual accolades to his name. So to receive praise off of a player held in such high regard, you would have had to do something pretty special yourself.

Steven Gerrard has received just that, as Pirlo has heaped admiration on the Liverpool skipper. The Italian has told the media that he's an intelligent player who has the ability to succeed in a deeper role, just like he has done.

It's something that I agree with wholeheartedly. He came in for some stick in the early stages of the season but he has been one of the standout players at Anfield and is an integral part to the Reds' side.

This season he has played 23 games for Liverpool and has an 86% pass success. It's his presence in the midfield that lets the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge push on and play with the freedom that Gerrard used to.

He still drive up the pitch and chips in with the goals and assists, but he's much more disciplined in his play - he has scored nine and claimed nine assists so far this season.

For me Pirlo is spot on, but the Italy international is more qualified to give his opinion!