Rodgers lavishes praise on ‘phenomenal’ Liverpool star as Arsenal await

Wednesday, January 30, 2013
8:10 AM

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has highlighted Steven Gerrard’s importance to his side ahead of tonight’s clash against Arsenal at the Emirates.

The 32-year-old was one of few Liverpool players to impress in the shock FA Cup defeat to Oldham, coming off the bench in the second half and almost turning the game around.

Rodgers believes that showing was indicative of Gerrard’s crucial role at Liverpool, and he will expect more of the same against the Gunners this evening.

“Steven is a unique player. At Oldham, it was like someone had dropped him from heaven because we went to a totally different level,” he said.

“Unfortunately, I can’t say that without him we would be all right, because I don’t believe we would.

“With each day that goes by, you see his real importance to the club.

“At 32 years of age, he still looks so fit and strong. You can see his influence on the team. As a captain, he’s been phenomenal.”