Rodgers: Steven's input is incredible
Brendan Rodgers has hailed the attitude Steven Gerrard exhibits not just on the pitch as a player but in his wider ambassadorial role as Liverpool's club captain as 'incredible'.
Last weekend brought the 16th anniversary of the midfielder's debut for the Reds, when a fresh-faced local lad was introduced as 90th-minute substitute against Blackburn Rovers at Anfield.
The No.8 has done almost everything in the intervening years, evolving into the heartbeat of the team as he helped his side hoist aloft the Champions League in 2005 and come so close to the Barclays Premier League title on several occasions.
His influence was evident again on Saturday, when he once more rose from the bench, entering the contest with Stoke City for the pivotal closing stages that produced a late Glen Johnson goal to end Liverpool's winless streak.
As Rodgers' charges prepare to face Leicester City this evening, targeting an immediate follow-up victory at the King Power Stadium, the manager reiterated the humble approach the skipper adopts for every task or requirement.
"To captain this club for the length of time he has, and to take on the ambassadorial role like he has, is incredible," explained the Northern Irishman. "For me, there will always be a position for Steven here as a player.
"What he gives to this club is more than the football aspect. He never turns down anything he has to do for the club and he takes great pride in his role as captain.
"You've seen the great captains this club has had down the years who have led by example and he does that for all the players. He is a unique guy who is a proper legend of this football club.
"He's had 16 incredible years here and I believe he can continue to work at this level for the next couple of years. I have huge respect for Steven in terms of what he has done as a player and what he has done for me in my time here."