In an interview with Ferdinand on youtube channel a few days ago, Irving said that the teammate who most wants to fight side by side in major competitions is Gerald.

Irving said: "I've played alongside Zidane, the best player, and his grace, like a ballet dancer, is simply incredible, everything he does is incredible."

"But if you ask me, 'You're going to the battlefield now, tomorrow you're going to play the most important game of your life, who do you want to be with you?' I would say, Gerald."

"He's so powerful, he's the best passer, I mean, we always talk about Scholes and Beckham, they're great passers, but Gerald's passing ability is also incredible, his goal-scoring ability, his vision is excellent."