text: Marouane Fellaini has paid tribute to the departing Steven Gerrard, hailing the Liverpool midfielder as being the best passer of the ball he has faced during his professional career. The Belgian put to one side Manchester United's rivalry with their north-west rivals to heap praise on the Reds captain for his range of passing in an interview for manutd.com. Fellaini was on the pitch as Gerrard was dismissed just 38 seconds after coming on during Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to United at Anfield last month. Marouane Fellaini picked Steven Gerrard as the best passer he has played against in an official club interview . Gerrard has been revered by many throughout his Liverpool and England career for his passing ability . Michael Carrick has been impressive form since returning from injury for Manchester United . But when asked who was the best passer he has played against, the 27-year-old answered with the simple response: 'Steven Gerrard.' United face the 27-year-old's former club Everton this Sunday with a vital three points at stake in their quest to secure automatic Champions League football next season, and Fellaini acknowledged Toffees skipper Phil Jagielka as being the toughest tackler he has come up against since departing Goodison Park in September 2013. The former Standard Liege man also ranked Wayne Rooney as the best finisher he has shared a dressing-room with, while Phil Jones was given the accolade of the toughest tackler. Fellaini struggled however to pick between two of his fastest team-mates, pondering: 'I'd definitely say Smalling, but I'd also say James Wilson, he's really fast too.' Wayne Rooney was described by Fellaini as the best finisher he has played with at Manchester United . Everton's Phil Jagielka has been lauded by Marouane Fellaini for his ability to execute the toughest tackle . In the 'With and against' question and answer piece, there was  mention of Nemanja Vidic as the fittest player the £27million signing has played against, while the Belgian also named Sylvain Distin as the most athletic player he has played alongside. 'He is unbelievable. He is very fit for 37,' said Fellaini, who also reserved special praise for Yakubu during his time at Everton for the Nigerian's prolific finishing.
target: Manchester United midfielder picks Wayne Rooney as his best finisher .
  Michael Carrick crowned the best passer to have played alongside him .
  Phil Jagielka named as the toughest tackler Belgian has faced .