Gerrard Picks Keane as Ideal Midfield Partner and Backs Jacquet

Steven Gerrard has identified Roy Keane as the former player he most wanted to play alongside and praised Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet as a future successor to Virgil van Dijk, while discussing the club's squad and his career reflections.

According to Football Muse, Gerrard made the midfield partnership comments during an appearance on The Overlap Daily. Keane won 17 trophies with Manchester United, including seven Premier League titles and the Champions League.

"Roy Keane. When I get asked this question I always try to think of someone that would complement me, who I feel I would have complemented them. I think we would have been awesome together. So, probably Roy Keane." said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

Gerrard and Keane were rivals during the Liverpool Manchester United rivalry era but were also regarded as two of the dominant midfielders of their generation.

"When we were away with England, he knocked on my door. You know when you look through the little keyhole," said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

Gerrard previously described an informal Manchester United approach in 2004, when Gary Neville asked about a possible move while the players were with England.

"I like Gary, he's a good guy, but I was like, 'What does he want me for?' He said, 'Look, don't shoot the messenger, but I've been told to come and ask the question if there's any possible chance you would play for Manchester United.'" said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

The former midfielder recalled that he rejected the possibility of joining United after the approach made through Neville.

"Gary, just leave." said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

Gerrard also discussed Liverpool's current squad, naming Van Dijk as the club's best player and highlighting Jacquet's potential after the defender joined from Stade Rennais.

"I love him, I’ve been very impressed with him from the opening pre-season friendlies," said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

Gerrard said Jacquet has impressed him since preseason and believes the young defender can develop into a key figure at Anfield.

"I think he’s got a composure and a fantastic profile and he can move." said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

Jacquet completed a move worth up to £60million in January before spending the second half of last season on loan at Stade Rennais, according to DaveOCKOP.

"I think there’s still a bit of rawness about him. But, I think there’s another level which he can get to and I think he’s going to be the perfect replacement for Virg in a year or two because he’s really helped solidify that back four." said Gerrard, former Liverpool captain.

According to Rousing The Kop, Jacquet has featured in every Liverpool fixture so far this season and helped the team record three consecutive Premier League clean sheets in its opening five matches.