Over the course of his career, Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard has seen his fair share of football grounds – not because he was a journeyman, given that the bulk of his playing years were spent on Merseyside, but because his elite talent took him to stadiums across the globe. And when speaking about an atmosphere that could match the intensity of Anfield, he had one clear answer in mind.

Between 1998 and 2015, Gerrard – often considered one of the finest midfielders since 1990 – developed from an academy youngster into the Anfield club’s dependable leader, whether that meant performing on the pitch, handling the media or commanding the dressing room.

During his long spell with his boyhood club, the central midfielder appeared at stadiums throughout Europe, ranging from Manchester United’s Old Trafford to San Siro, the famous home shared by AC and Inter Milan. But, in his mind, none of those matched the atmosphere at Anfield.

Gerrard Felt One Stadium Could Rival Liverpool’s Atmosphere

None of those aforementioned famous stadiums came close – at least according to the 114-cap England international – to matching the ferocity he associates with Anfield. One venue, however, made a particularly strong impression during his career.

For the final chapter of his playing career, Gerrard headed to the United States to join Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy for a single season before eventually turning his attention to coaching. His first senior managerial role came with Scottish giants Rangers.

Taking over permanently from Pedro Caixinha, the Englishman oversaw 192 matches north of the border – and it was Rangers’ Ibrox home, that impressed him most. Speaking on the 51k-seater British stadium after a Europa League meeting with Rapid Vienna in 2018, he said:

“That was up there with the best atmospheres I’ve played in, whether it be Anfield or other stadiums. That was right up there alongside them,” he commented about Rangers’ Ibrox. “The noise last night was incredible. It was, ‘Wow’. It was special.”

Gerrard’s Coaching Career

Whiston-born Gerrard ended his time in the Ibrox dugout in November 2021 after posting a points-per-game figure of 2.15, having attracted the attention of Premier League club Aston Villa. He later headed for Saudi Arabia, having lasted less than one year in England as a manager.

The lucrative opportunity to manage Al-Ettifaq convinced Gerrard to return to work after eight months without a club. Following a difficult 55-game spell in the Middle East, the former midfielder and manager left by mutual consent and is yet to return to coaching.

Arsenal are exploring a move for Juventus ace Kenan Yildiz, according to The Independent.

The Gunners are looking to give their squad another attacking boost going into the 2026/27 campaign as they target even more success in north London.

The Premier League champions have already added to their title-winning squad with Illan Meslier, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Piero Hincapie has turned his loan move from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent deal.

Arsenal did miss out on the signing of Vinicius Jr from Real Madrid, however, and fans are awaiting the club’s next move in the transfer market as they look to upgrade the left side of their attack.

Amid links with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, Yildiz has emerged as a potential option on the left following his impressive performances for Juventus.

According to The Independent, Arsenal are looking into whether a deal for the 21-year-old, who Mikel Arteta is very keen on, is possible this month.

Juventus would want upwards of £60m if they part with Yildiz, with the possibility of Gabriel Martinelli going in the opposite direction something that has been raised.

The Turkey international registered 11 goals and ten assists in 47 games for Juventus last season, bringing his total to 27 goals and 21 assists in 131 games for the club.

Kenan Yildiz’s 2025/26 season in numbers

What Yildiz would bring to Arsenal

Yildiz has earned rave reviews at Juventus and it comes as no surprise to see him emerge as an option for Arsenal on the left wing.

Excellent with the ball, a good dribbler and able to operate in tight spaces, the Regensburg-born player would certainly flourish in Arteta’s team and be a big hit at the Emirates Stadium.

Yildiz has impressed that much in Turin that he has drawn comparisons with some huge names in the game.

“Yildiz dribbles like a Brazilian,” defender Bremer told La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview in August 2025. “Yes, Kenan is a bit like our Lamine Yamal, all of us in the team have to give him the conditions to perform at his best.”

Guiseppe Rossi, in an interview with Italian publication Tuttomearcatoweb last October, said: “Super Yildiz. The Turk is a phenomenon and will be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future: he’s 20, but he plays like a thirty-year-old with a hundred Champions League appearances.

“I have a soft spot for his ability to attempt a beautiful play for the good of the team, not just for the applause. Juventus is Yildiz plus ten others; in terms of impact, he’s a bit like the Lamine Yamal of the Bianconeri.”

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move to sign Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, and GIVEMESPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs has confirmed he would want the move.

Hall has enjoyed a phenomenal rise since his move to St James’ Park, but the Magpies endured a difficult season last time out.

As a result, a number of players have already headed through the exit door, including Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon.

Newcastle will be desperate to keep the remainder of their key stars, but it certainly won’t be easy with interest growing.

According to GIVEMESPORT correspondent Jacobs, if Manchester United agreed a fee with Newcastle this summer, Hall would want to make the move to Old Trafford.

Jacobs also adds that it certainly won’t be an easy deal for them to do. It could cost over £75 million for United to prise him away from St. James’ Park.

Whether United would be willing to pay a fee of around £75 million remains to be seen, as it’s certainly a lot of money.

Left-back is Man Utd’s next priority

Fabrizio Romano confirms that Manchester United’s next priority after potentially signing Brighton’s Carlos Baleba would be to bring in a left-back.

Romano confirms that Alejandro Balde of Barcelona is another target, which could raise doubts over how possible a deal for Hall actually is.

Jacobs also confirmed that, although it’s not a 0% chance that Hall will join United, it is under 10%.

“It’s not 0% chance for Lewis Hall, but it’s under 10%.”