Rodgers: He can be like Giggs
Brendan Rodgers believes Steven Gerrard can emulate Ryan Giggs by extending his career well into his 30s.
The boss was questioned about the skipper after he won the Reds three points with a successful penalty at Villa Park on Sunday.
Among his answers was the revelation that Gerrard cut short his summer holidays last year in order to welcome him into the job - and Rodgers thinks this kind of dedication will help the 32-year-old enjoy a prolonged career.
Asked if Gerrard could play on well into his 30s like players such as Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, the boss replied: "Yes, absolutely no question.
"Those guys - it's not what they're doing now, it's what they've done all their lives as professionals. That's what allows you to play on. And guys like Gary McAllister, who play into their late 30s. It's what they were doing when they were 17, 18, 19, 20.
"Look at Steven Gerrard - he's got every chance of playing well into his thirties because he's a wonderful professional. He trains every single day, never has a lazy day, works his socks off and wants to improve - which is important.
"He is 32, the captain, and he's still looking at areas of the game he wants to improve on. His enthusiasm to play football is remarkable.
"He's got many more years left in him."
Having been 'wowed' by Gerrard from afar for many years, Rodgers feels privileged to now be his manager.
"When I first got appointed at Liverpool he cut short his holidays to come and see me," he said. "He knocked on my door when I first arrived - he wanted to welcome me to the club.
"He said him and Carra would be 150 per cent behind everything I do. From that day they've been 200 per cent!
"They've been absolutely phenomenal men. Proper Liverpool people, club men who want to see their club do well and respect the role of the manager.
"He's a really inspirational man. He's a top player and his hunger and desire to succeed with Liverpool is incredible.
"As a guy coming from the outside, I can't speak highly enough of him. I've watched him all my life and been wowed by what a remarkable player he is, so to then come in and work with the man, it's been a huge pleasure and privilege to lead someone like that.
"As a manager to a captain he's been phenomenal for me.
"He is a remarkable man. Look at his fitness level, his running ability. He's been like that for the majority of the season."
Gerrard has not missed a minute of league football this season, and his experience on the field has been priceless according to his boss.
"He's taken a real leadership role in the group," said Rodgers. "There was a point in the second half [against Aston Villa] where he was organising the team and that's important. People talk about him being an inspirational captain but he's really taken on board the responsibility of being vocal in the game as well.
"The one he cleared off the line, he was marking the space. He wasn't on the post - he was marking the space.
"You tell players, as soon as [the ball] goes over your head, get back inside the post in case it comes into that area. Nine times out of 10 players see the ball go over their heads and they don't go back in - but that's [Gerrard] showing his professionalism and responsibility to the team.
"He got himself in there and he ends up clearing the ball off the line.
"He's a real influential player for us and will be for the next number of years.
"As a manager you want balance in your group. You want players for tomorrow but it's vital you have players for today. Guys like Steven - and look at Jamie Carragher's performance today against Benteke. It was incredible. Daniel Agger, Lucas Leiva - these are guys with experience and are very important for the future of the club."
Rodgers was reported in Sunday's media saying he would look to offer Gerrard a new contract.
Asked about that, the Northern Irishman said: "It's something on the agenda. That will happen in due course."
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