Ruben Loftus-Cheek controversially picks Gerrard over Lampard

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has decided to put his loyalties with Chelsea aside by claiming that Steven Gerrard was a better midfield player than former Blues teammate Frank Lampard. The 21-year-old, who is currently on a season-long loan with Crystal Palace believes Gerrard was superior to the likes of Lampard and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes owing to his additional leadership qualities.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I think most people would say Scholes. I think I’m going to say Gerrard because he could do everything. Obviously Lampard was top at what he did, and what he did was score goals, and no other midfielder can do that like Lamps. But the way Gerrard leads as well, I’d say Gerrard."

Meanwhile, fellow Eagles teammate Wilfried Zaha went with the same opinion after he was left gobsmacked by Gerrard’s shooting power during a training session with England in his early international career, he said: "Me personally, I would say Gerrard. I remember training with England, and he hit the ball with such power, and no run-up. I’d have to run from the halfway line to smash that as hard as he’s hit that!"

Since his move to south London, Loftus-Cheek has put in a string of top-north performances for the Eagles, and this earned him his maiden cap for England in November where he put in a man-of-the-match showing versus Germany in a goalless draw.

Despite the promise shown, the youngster is not assured of place in the World Cup squad with the likes of Jack Cork, Jack Wilshere among others vying for recalls in the next set of international fixtures against the Netherlands and Italy scheduled in March.

Loftus-Cheek has contributed one goal and two assists for Crystal Palace in 15 Premier League appearances this term. He has also accumulated two caps with England during this period, both of which ended in 0-0 stalemates.