Sturridge: Gerrard has the fear factor
Steven Gerrard's reputation as one of the world's top players means he possesses a 'fear factor' around opponents, Daniel Sturridge has declared.
The skipper will bring an end to 17 years with Liverpool when he moves to LA Galaxy this summer, but his contributions to the club's trophy cabinet are testament to the fact his status as an Anfield legend is secured.
Sturridge has played a small part in that journey, featuring alongside the midfielder since his January 2013 switch from Chelsea.
Having also played for Manchester City and Bolton Wanderers before his arrival on Merseyside, Sturridge has insight on Gerrard's standing outside the confines of the club as well as within.
And, when asked what his teammates at other sides thought of the No.8, the prolific frontman revealed just how highly regarded the 35-year-old is.
He said: "[Gerrard is viewed as] one of the best players in the world. One of the best players to ever do it.
"I'd probably say a lot of players think he's the best they've ever played against and the best they've played with, and there's always a fear factor around him regardless what position he's playing, regardless of how many minutes he's played.
"He's got an aura around him, he's got that thing not everyone has. Not everyone has a fear factor but he's got a fear factor and he's still got it to this day because of all he's achieved and what he still does now as well."
Sturridge had the fortune to play in front of some of the world's greatest midfielders on his way to becoming an Anfield favourite.
But he insists that none of his former colleagues can hold a candle to Gerrard.
The 25-year-old continued: "It's a difficult one, but I think midfield-wise I'd definitely say he's the best - and that's not me saying that for the cameras or me saying that because I'm playing with him now.
"I've played with the likes of Lamps [Frank Lampard], [Michael] Ballack, Deco, at Manchester City there was Elano who was a very, very good player, but for me I think Stevie's the one.
"Probably because he's got everything, he does everything. I think for a striker he's a dream to play with because you're always going to get chances, you're always going to score and the players that have been here have reaped the rewards of playing with him as well.
"If you look at Michael Owen and [Fernando] Torres, [Luis] Suarez. All their careers have elevated from playing with Stevie, just as they've helped him, but I think as strikers you need players who give you the ball in the right areas.
"If you ask a lot of players around the world who they would've liked to have played with, a lot of them would say Stevie because of the pinpoint passing accuracy he has as well as getting stuck in and spraying balls 40 yards - as the song says.
"He's a great player, one of the legends. I think he's the best that Liverpool have ever had, in my opinion."
The Birmingham-born forward also hailed Gerrard as a player who has 'everything' to his game - and no weaknesses.
"I just think it's the complete package, he's got everything," he added.
"He's got the passing, he can tackle, he can shoot, he's a leader. He's got everything. As I said, I can't think of one weakness in his game that I can say 'he can't really do that' or anything that he hasn't got in his game now.
"I can only imagine what he was like when he was fresh as a daisy, just coming into the squad and all that stuff.
"I'm reaping the rewards of playing with him now towards the end of his career at Liverpool, so I can only imagine what he was like then, but it's a pleasure for me to play with him now.
"I've got nothing but love and respect for the guy, for everything he's achieved."