Brendan Rodgers Reveals The Best Player He's Ever Managed

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League trip to Ludogorets, Brendan Rodgers has claimed
that Steven Gerrard is the best player he has ever managed.

The Liverpool captain has been the subject of a lot of criticism lately, with fans and pundits alike suggesting that his influence on games is waning, and he doesn't have the ability to play in the holding midfield role.

Despite averaging decent passing stats, Gerrard must be judged on his defensive contribution in the holding role. With an average of just 1.8 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game, it appears the criticism is justified.

Rodgers is having none of it though, and says Gerrard is the best player he has ever managed.

"It’s simple, I judge Steven on merit. 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 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. He is in at 8.30am every day to prepare for training. I judge him on that and his influence on other players."

Whilst what Rodgers is saying about Gerrard is almost certainly his true opinion, it also seems like something of a desperate effort to fill a fading player with confidence.