Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has described Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as "one of the best players" that his side have ever faced.
The former England skipper will play no part in this Saturday's trip to the Emirates as he serves a suspension for stamping on Manchester United's Ander Herrera during Liverpool's 2-1 defeat at Anfield.
This weekend would have been Gerrard's final trip to the Emirates as a Liverpool player as he prepares to end his 25-year association with the Merseyside outfit when he joins MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy in the summer.
"Gerrard is one of the best players we have faced," Wenger said in this morning's press conference. "He is a huge player and shown a great loyalty to Liverpool.
"When Liverpool were in trouble everyone looked towards him and nine times out of 10 he got them out of it. He is a dream midfielder. He had all the qualities you need to play in midfield."
Arsenal are currently third in the Premier League table, while Liverpool reside six points behind in fifth.
