Jonjo Shelvey has described Steven Gerrard as the best player he ever played alongside, praising the former Liverpool captain's support and inspiration during their time together at Anfield.
Shelvey and Gerrard were team-mates for three seasons between 2010 and 2013, with Shelvey making 69 appearances for Liverpool before moving on to Swansea City. Now managing Arabian Falcons in Dubai, Shelvey spoke to FourFourTwo about what it meant to share a dressing room with the 2005 Champions League-winning skipper.
Neighbours and mentor
Shelvey revealed that the pair lived next door to each other during his Liverpool days, and Gerrard would regularly give him lifts to training.
"When I was at Liverpool, I lived next door to him as well," he said. "And from my bathroom you could actually see into his living room, so I spent a lot of time on the toilet!"
"He'd give me a lift into training, he was such a normal person, easy to talk to, and anything you needed he'd help you with. I can't speak highly enough about him."
A childhood idol
Shelvey added that he grew up idolising Gerrard, even watching a DVD of his career before games as a child.
"I grew up watching a DVD about his career, so I knew everything about him. When I was a kid, I'd watch this DVD the night before my games to inspire me. I wanted to be him, so to play with him was amazing."
He also enjoyed facing Gerrard later in his career, describing it as the ultimate test. "He was the best and had everything: defensively, shooting and passing."
Gerrard's post-playing career
Gerrard left Liverpool in the summer of 2015 after scoring 186 goals in 710 appearances, as well as providing 145 assists. He spent two years at LA Galaxy before retiring and moving into coaching at Liverpool's Academy, then into management with Rangers, Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq.
The 46-year-old has not managed since leaving Al-Ettifaq in January 2025. While he has had offers to return to the dugout, he is currently enjoying his role as a lead pundit for TNT Sports.
"At the moment I am happy, I am doing TV with TNT. I have signed a new deal. I have got some other bits and bobs that I do, some commercial stuff," Gerrard said.
"I became a grandad a year ago. I'm loving being around the family, I get enough time off. My work life balance is great. I've had quite a few offers and chats with teams and stuff but at the moment I am really happy with what I am doing."
Liverpool return to action on Sunday when they host Manchester City in the Premier League (4.30pm kick-off).
