Steven Gerrard was last night tipped to become the best midfielder in the world - by former Liverpool team-mate Sander Westerveld.
Dutch goalkeeper Westerveld revealed that Gerrard was the England player Holland feared most ahead of Wednesday's friendly in Amsterdam.
Gerrard has emerged as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the game and confirmed his growing stature with another composed display against the Dutch.
Westerveld, now playing in Spain for Real Sociedad, believes his former Anfield team-mate can rival the best midfielders in the world for years to come if he remains fit, a view shared by the stars of the Dutch side.
"Steven is an excellent player, someone who is held in the highest regard," said Westerveld. "I spoke to Edgar Davids and a few other players, who all said Steven is the player they really admire.
"He talked with so much respect about him, and Steven's still only young. Of course, he's not the finished product, but at his age the only thing he needs is experience and consistency.
"At the moment he is doing a tremendous job for Liverpool but he has had his injury problems. If he can go for a couple of years without an injury, he will become one of the best midfielders in the world.
"He's got a big future if he handles everything well and focuses on his football. From the first moment I went to Liverpool and saw him, I was really impressed.
"I have played with the national team and seen a lot of European football, but Steven stood out from the rest. He has such great potential."