Chelsea hero John Obi Mikel rates Steven Gerrard as the best player he faced in the Premier League.

The Nigerian concedes a clash with the Liverpool legend was always a batte.

“I've always said my toughest opponent in the Premier League was Stevie G," he told Rio Ferdinand's Five podcast. “You remember when he started playing as a No.10 for Liverpool, with Fernando Torres up front? Oh my God!"

The former Nigeria international continued: “Quick, technically very good, strong, powerful, he could tackle as well. You're looking at a No.10 who could tackle! I know he didn't play in that position for very long, but he was the guy who was very, very difficult to play against. He knew how to find the space in between you and the defenders.

“Yeah, for me, Stevie G was the guy, he was that good."