Liverpool FC News: Reds Boss Brendan Rodgers Defends Unfairly Judged Skipper Steven Gerrard

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes that Reds skipper Steven Gerrard has been unfairly judged for failing to put up a decent performance as of late.

The legs of the 34-year-old Whiston native already seem fail him, which leads to commission of errors and a lack of creativity in the middle of the park. Nevertheless, Rodgers still has confidence in his squad's figurehead, insisting that Gerrard still have enough left in his tank.

"It's simple, I judge Steven on merit," said the Irishman.

"The spotlight he is under is incredible. I think people expect him to be the player he was 10 years ago and that is simply not the case."

"He has been adapted to a playmaking role, so the player who scored 15 goals a season is not there anymore but it is hugely unfair that he gets judged on that level."

"He is the best player I have ever worked with in terms of football mentality and the loyalty he has shown this football club. I have shown in my time I do not deal on sentiment. I do not pick him on sentiment."

"He is in at 8.30am every day to prepare for training. I judge him on that and the influence on other players."

"Of course he is coming to the latter part of his career but he is still invaluable to me. It's an easy situation to manage because he is a top-class player who accepts what is best for Liverpool."

"He can still contribute at a high level and it is my job to manage how that is."

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