If you combined Steve Gerrard's tackling and long-range passing with Joe Cole's quick feet, you would probably have the best player in the world. They represent different facets of midfield but are equally outstanding in what they do.

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STEVE GERRARD (Midfielder, Liverpool) v JOE COLE (Midfielder, West Ham)

KNOWN FOR...
Gerrard: The new Duncan Edwards, injuries at the wrong time, stepping out with Brookside babe Jennifer Ellison
Cole: Biggest hype since Owen, more tricks than a show pony, disappointing goal rate

HIGH
Gerrard: Immense performance in England's 5-1 win in Germany
Cole: Youngest player to be named in Sven's World Cup squad, at the age of 20

LOW
Gerrard: Forced to have op in the summer, forcing him to miss the World Cup
Cole: Part of the West Ham side that slumped to the bottom of the Premiership earlier this season

CURRENT FORM
Gerrard: Mixed reviews, outstanding in a Liverpool shirt leaving the only unbeaten side in England this season. But gave the ball away more than usual playing for England against Slovakia and Macedonia, although his equaliser against the latter was a cracker
Cole: The brightest spark in an inconsistent West Ham side but still the odd criticism about his end product. He has only been on the scoresheet twice for his club and was left out of the latest England squad, playing for the under-21s instead and winning man-of-the-match in the youngsters 4-0 win in Slovakia

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THEMSELVES
Gerrard: "I'm still only young and have so much to learn from the likes of Vieira"
Cole: "I am an ambitious lad and want to be back in the full England squad as soon as possible"

HISTORY
Gerrard: Made meteoric progress in 1999/2000 culminating in his appearance for England's 1-0 win against Germany at Euro 2000. But he missed the last two games of the tournament with injury - and that has become a recurring theme. His awesome strength - he once said team-mate Dietmar Hamann had "squealed like a girl" after one of his tackles - helped make him the most complete midfielder of his generation. But for every outstanding display, most notably the 5-1 win in Germany when he scored from 25 yards, there have been games missed with ankle, hip, back or groin injuries. He couldn't go to Japan this summer as he had to have a groin operation. He still only has 17 England caps, a poor return for someone of his ability who would be the first name pencilled into the team by most England fans. Helped Liverpool win the cup treble in 2001 and has gone onto to be a real leader from the middle of the park or wide on the right. Scored a beauty against Macedonia last time out for England.
Cole: The football grapevine became aware of Joe Cole from the age of 15 when he was banging in the goals for Camden & Islington Boys. Sir Alex Ferguson always asked about his progress but it was West Ham where he turned professional, with the hype being turned on by the stadium announcer who told fans: "You will be able to tell your grandchildren you were there the day Joe Cole signed for West Ham." Hasn't yet lived up to the 'new Gazza' tag on the world stage but doesn't turn 21 until next week so there is plenty of time. Kevin Keegan actually named Cole in his final squad, to face Germany in October 2000 but it was the following May when Sven Goran Eriksson gave him an England debut. Cole's display against Italy in 2002 persuaded Sven to name in the World Cup party but Cole's opportunities were limited. Dropped down to the under-21s this season, he responded by helping them beat Slovakia 4-0. His club form has been good although there are calls that his extravagant skills and natural ability should lead to more goals and assists.

COMPARISON
"A fit Steven Gerrard would have helped a lot. He's one of the best midfielders you can find in the world today" Sven Goran Eriksson

"I think Joe Cole has something special. He is not experienced, but he can change things on the pitch" Sven Goran Eriksson

Compiled by Joe Bernstein

  • Liverpool play West Ham in the Premiership at Anfield on Saturday November 2