Benitez: Gerrard should be PFA Player of Year

Jamie Zawinski SG

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes that Steven Gerrard should be named PFA player of the year.

Manchester United stars Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs are believed to be the favourites for the award, but Benitez is talking up the claims of Gerrard.

The midfielder is in the form of his life and has scored 21 goals this season to play a major part in the revival of Liverpool's title ambitions.

Benitez said: "He would be my vote. If he can continue playing at this level, then why not?

"For me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about, but he is one of the best. That is clear.

"He is more mature, he is still learning and tactically he is improving. He can still play better because he has the potential."

Gerrard is currently with the England squad for the forthcoming games with Slovakia and Ukraine, and Benitez added: "He has quality and always tries to improve in every training session.

"That is very positive. You know when he is on the pitch you have more options to win."

Gerrard has claimed this week he would like to play for England in the 'second striker' role he has at Liverpool.

And Benitez believes his new role playing just behind Fernando Torres has seen Gerrard's game rise to even greater heights.

The Spaniard continued: "Changing his position and seeing him play in a different role has improved a lot. He scored 23 goals one year and now he has 21 and can score more before the end of this season, so that is very positive for the team and also for him.

"When Gerrard and Torres are together for us, the rest of the team has more confidence. It is good for the rest of the players as they get a lot of confidence when we have those two together on the pitch."

Poolman SG

Tell you what , if Liverpool are to win this season's BPL Title , then S.Gerrard could well be the ONE !!

If United win yet again .... then Ronaldo will be the ONE !

Usually the Winner will be from the Champion Team , like Henry .... Cantona .... the rest no need to say .

Even if Liverpool are to win the UCL for the 6th time ..... SG might not win it . To win this award , BPL is the Priority i think .

Poolman SG

but off the field behaviour also counted in ..... this season unless Liverpool win the Title , his police case might jeopardised his chance .

Scania N113CRB l0v3r SG

Gerrard, I rather chose Torres or Reina

Poolman SG

Gerrard, I rather chose Torres or Reina

Reina cannot be la ...... he besides contributing clean sheets , he cannot compare to what Gerrard has done !

Torres and Gerrard .... it will be disrespectful if Torres wins the award ahead of Gerrard . Torres enxt season for me if he score 30 goals .

Makanyhow SG

Gerrard, I rather chose Torres or Reina

I think maybe Gerrard over Torres because he delivers the critical goals.

Jamie Zawinski SG

Jffdevil SG

well done Liverpool .

Jffdevil SG

kanina!!!dun delete my post can??ok my vote go to BEN FOSTER!!

youyayu SG

i think for

man utd, vidic contribute the most.. just that got screwed up.. lol

liverpool, gerrard. i just can't see torres get any where near gerrard leh

chelsea, of cos is guss hiddick. i see almost all chelsea match i just can't get any one to win it.. cause all too inconsistance

arsenal? lol of cos is the freaking goal keeper if he is going to be england goal keeper after he get passport for england. then yea..