Tuesday, 25th November, 2014
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has insisted he picks captain Steven Gerrard purely on merit.
Gerrard's form has dipped this term, with a number of Liverpool fans bemoaning a rapid decline in the skipper's talents in the middle of the park.
It has been suggested that Rodgers should look to drop Gerrard as the Reds seek to shake off a run of form which has seen them lose their last four games in all competitions.
But Rodgers claims he only ever picks the Liverpool legend on his performances and has poured praise onto the former England captain.
"For me it is simple, I judge Steven on merit", Rodgers told a press conference ahead of Liverpool's clash with Ludogorets tomorrow.
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"I think the spotlight he has been under has been incredible when everything for us is based around being a team.
"He is a wonderful, wonderful player. I can quite safely say he is the best player I have ever worked with in terms of footballing mentality.
"The commitment he has and the loyalty he has shown this football club is without question – it has been incredible. I think I've shown in my time as a manager, and in particular here, I don't deal so much in sentiment.
"There is nothing sentimental about me picking Steven Gerrard. I see Steven every day of my life. He is like clockwork, he is in every day between 8.30am and 8.45am preparing for his training session and how he works and operates.
"What he does on the training field, I judge him on that. I see the influence he has on other players. Of course, he is coming towards the latter part of his career, but he still has a really valuable contribution for me", the Northern Irishman added.
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