I played 350 Premier League games for Arsenal and Chelsea - I learned a lot from one opponent

Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas has named Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the toughest opponent he faced during his time in the Premier League.

Fabregas, who is widely viewed as one of the finest midfielders to play in the English top flight, boasts an impressive trophy collection from his time with Arsenal, Chelsea and his time in La Liga with Barcelona, as well as a remarkable international career with Spain.

The 36-year-old recently hung up his boots after a glittering player career that saw him clinch two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey, as well as two European Championships either side of the 2010 World Cup. While he is fondly remembered by most of his former clubs, his move to London rivals Chelsea in 2014 did ruffle some feathers among the Arsenal faithful.

During his two stints in the Premier League, Fabregas faced off against some of the greatest talents the league has ever seen. However, one player stands out among the rest — Liverpool's iconic captain, Gerrard.

«I always felt he had everything in his locker,» Fabregas revealed to SPORTbible when asked about his toughest Premier League opponent. «He could dictate play, he could score goals, do assists, make runs in behind. Offensively he was very strong.

»You always felt that when you were coming up against him you had to be at the top of your game otherwise you would be in trouble, because he was very consistent. He was always an eight, seven, eight, seven [out of 10].

«For me he was a role model and someone, looking back, I really appreciate playing against. I learned a lot from him.»

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