For LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard, the MLS crop of talent doesn't get any better than Toronto FC's Sebastian Giovinco or the Portland Timbers' Darlington Nagbe – but the fans in Seattle have impressed him the most.
In a live Facebook Q&A with Gerrard hosted by the Galaxy on Thursday night, the former Liverpool legend picked Giovinco and Nagbe as the two best players he has faced since joining MLS last year.
"It has to be Giovinco," Gerrard said. "To see what he's doing in MLS, I think he's a phenomenal footballer."
He added: "And I like Nagbe. He went off injured last week after Nigel [De Jong tackled him]. I think he's very energetic. Gets across the pitch and around the pitch very well. His passing's quite safe and good and he managed to get a goal against us last year. He's probably put in the best individual performance against us."
Asked about his favorite stadiums, Gerrard picked his home stadiums over the years, including Liverpool's Anfield and the StubHub Center in Carson, California. But what other MLS atmospheres have impressed Gerrard?
"In terms of atmosphere and numbers and a crowd that gets behind the team, I've really enjoyed the battles against Seattle," Gerrard said. "Even though we've never gotten the results we want against them in the playoffs, I've really enjoyed going there."
"They're very supportive of the team," Gerrard added about Seattle fans, noting it feels similar to his experiences in Europe. "They get behind them, they all come in green and when you walk out there, it does feel like a real big intimidating atmosphere."
The Q&A also provides a glimpse into what Gerrard likes about living in LA, what it was like meeting Kobe Bryant, his worst habit and his thoughts on In-N-Out Burger. Gerrard also offers superlatives for his Galaxy teammates and top memories from his long playing career.
For more, check out the full Q&A:
