STEVE SIDWELL says he’d rather play with Steven Gerrard than ex-Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard.
The former Blues midfielder spent one season at Stamford Bridge during the 2007/08 campaign, playing 25 times under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.
Sidwell did not land a trophy during his brief time at Chelsea, with the club losing the Champions League final to Manchester United on penalties.
But the former Reading star did get the chance to line up alongside fan favourite Lampard no less than 12 times.
Incredibly, Chelsea did not lose a single game in regulation time with the pair together in midfield.
Yet Sidwell chose to ignore his pal and instead plump for Liverpool rival Gerrard in a dream team.
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Appearing on Peter Crouch’s podcast, Sidwell was asked who he would prefer to play alongside.
The retired ace, who also played for Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton, pondered the question for a moment.
But he quickly decided it was Gerrard who took the nod due to his all-action style.
Sidwell said: “If it’s me and one other, no doubt, Stevie is unbelievable. He can do absolutely everything.
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“Frank was the deadliest scoring midfielder I’ve ever played with.
“If I have to pick in terms of who I would partner best, I’m a holding midfielder that gives license to Frank to go and score goals.
“He did it in his career, he didn’t have to defend. If I did it with Stevie I think he’d still get back and defend as well.
“It would give him more goals too. I think I’d have to go with Stevie on that one.
“I played with Frank and his timings off the ball and runs into the box, he just sort of ghosted and scored goals.
“But Stevie would be a perfect match because if the other team was on top he’d come inside and batten down the hatches with me.”
Chelsea ratings vs Newcastle
CHELSEA were dumped out the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.
The 2-0 loss came after the Blues made 11 changes to their starting line-up.
SunSport’s Craig Mahood reveals which players might have done enough to keep their place next time.
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Nervy start when flapping at an early cross and a couple of wayward kicks going out.
Struggled in parts with the ball at his feet including a pass straight to Tonali in the first half. Not much to do in the second half.
Axel Disasi – 6
Looked uncomfortable for large spells at right-back in duels with Joelinton in the first half and couldn’t sort his feet out when scoring an own goal.
Didn’t have much defending to do after the break but offered little in attack.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 6
Best of the back line but not a difficult task. Looks like a player is there if he can get more minutes as marshalled Isak well for much of the contest.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Shocker of a pass to Veiga for Newcastle’s opener before being booked for a foul on Krafth.
Terrible touch right on half time let Gordon clear and fortunate Willock missed from close range.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Huffed and puffed down the left-hand side and defended reasonably well against Gordon for most of the night.
Tried to link with Mudryk but a frustrating night meant he didn’t get as involved.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Chelsea skipper saw plenty of the ball but didn’t create much of note on it.
Looked to be missing the creative spark that would normally play alongside him in there.
Renato Veiga – 6
Largely anonymous in the middle as kept possession moving but was caught on it for the opening Newcastle goal, though not really his fault.
Stung the palms of Pope late on but didn’t create much in that position.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5
Should’ve scored in opening 90 seconds with glorious chance.
On the fringes of the game throughout and struggled to get involved. Hooked before the hour.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Quiet first half hour before bursting clear of Krafth later in half. Appeared to gainconfidence in the second half and was a threat when he did get the ball on the left.
His final ball missing a few times but would’ve had an assist or two on another evening. Chelsea will be hoping this isn’t a flash in the pan.
Joao Felix – 5
Another one that showed very, very brief flashes. Should’ve scored when clean through with 15 minutes to go which might’ve changed the game.
Frustrations of a difficult night shown when booked for dissent in closing stages.
Subs
Noni Madueke – 6
Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.
Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.
Replaced ineffective Dewsbury-Hall for the final half hour.
Claimed for a penalty when pushed over by Gordon. Was a threat when in possession but struggled against Newcastle’s low block.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
