Steven Gerrard today paid tribute to Raheem Sterling's mature Merseyside derby performance and predicted he'll cause Everton many more problems over the coming years.

The 17-year-old turned in a performance that defied his tender age in Sunday's 2-2 draw, leaving his captain impressed by what he delivered.

Gerrard said: "I thought Sterling was fantastic. At 17 years of age, playing away in a derby, in a cauldron and an atmosphere like that, he was outstanding.

"I don't think the Everton players would have known much about Raheem Sterling before Sunday. But I think they will be seeing an awful lot of him in the future.

"He will be playing in many Merseyside derbies and he will have a major impact on them.

"There was the chance early in the second half when he was through on goal, when he matures a little bit and gets that bit of composure into his game that will come. We have all been there.

"He will be one of the top players in the league, there's no doubt about it. The way he stands up and wants the ball, he doesn't hide.

"He's a credit to himself. He's got some bottle. That's what you look for in young lads.

"You wonder whether they have got the bottle to play away from home against top teams in tough situations. He handled it superbly and he has been a revelation for us."

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