Riise: Stevie's a 'perfect' captain
John Arne Riise has hailed Steven Gerrard as the 'perfect' man to lead England into this summer's European Championships ahead of tonight's friendly between England and Norway.
Newly-appointed skipper Gerrard will lead Roy Hodgson's side out at the Ullevaal Stadium against his friend and former teammate Riise, who is looking to clinch his 102nd Norway cap this evening.
The pair played in the same Liverpool side for seven years during an era in which the European Cup, the FA Cup, two League Cups and two Super Cups came back to the Anfield trophy cabinet.
And one night and one performance in particular springs to mind when Riise, now at Fulham, is asked to describe Gerrard's abilities as a player and a leader.
"When I think of Stevie, I always remember the final when we were 3-0 down," said Riise. "He played right-back, centre-back, centre midfield and striker within 45 minutes.
"That is my idea of the perfect captain and the perfect player. So, for me, he is perfect to lead his country."