Ibrahimovic hails Gerrard quality

Swedish captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed the qualities of England counterpart Steven Gerrard, who is set to win his 100th cap in Wednesday's clash between the two countries in Stockholm. Ibrahimovic believes Gerrard "plays more like an international player rather than a normal English player". The Liverpool star will clock up his century of appearances for his country providing he experiences no reaction to the knee injury he suffered during the weekend draw at Chelsea. Ibrahimovic said: "I think Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player. He has been loyal to his club, he has won some big trophies with the club. He always plays at a high level when he is not injured. He always gives 200 per cent, is a good fighter and has good skills and a good touch with the ball also. Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Steven Gerrard "He is a very good person to have as a team-mate in your team. He always gives 200 per cent, is a good fighter and has good skills and a good touch with the ball also. He feels more like an international player rather than a normal English player. "English players have big hearts, always fighting, very aggressive, but for me Gerrard feels more international. He has more skills than the normal player." Swedish coach Erik Hamren echoed Ibrahimovic's sentiments. He said: "I really like him as a player. He has something extra. I'm sorry he has had some injuries which have maybe stopped his top level. "But when he is not injured, he is a top player because of his skills to read the game and his skills to make the passes, especially the long ones. He has shown how good he is for England and his club." From : FIFA