Sir Alex Ferguson harsh on Steven Gerrard - Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has defended captain Steven Gerrard after Sir Alex Ferguson claimed he is not a "top, top player".

Former Manchester United manager Ferguson made the comment in his book, My Autobiography, but Rodgers said the criticism was unjustified.

Steven Gerrard in numbers

Age: 33
Squad number: 8
Liverpool games: 640
Liverpool goals: 161
England games: 107
England goals: 21 

 

"I think everyone who's seen the comments will think they are harsh," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

Gerrard led England to qualification for the World Cup this month.
Ex-Swansea boss Rodgers, who took over at Liverpool in 2012, added: "I've watched Gerrard for many years and recognised he's a top player, but it's only when you come in and work with the man that you realise how professional he is on a daily basis.
"His performance level at 33 years of age shows he's a top, top player. He's a great talent - a wonderful player - and I don't think anyone could argue against that."

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Rodgers also praised striker Daniel Sturridge, who has scored 10 goals in 12 games in all competitions for Liverpool and England this season.
"He's been brilliant," Rodgers said of the £12m signing from Chelsea. "He's come here in January with a point to prove. He's very hungry and his goals-per-game ratio has been remarkable.
"Daniel's a player who produces. He's a natural goalscorer, but he's got so many other things to his game: pace, power and great feet. In the next few years he could be one of the top strikers in Europe."