Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hailed his
captain Steven Gerrard as the best midfielder in the
world.
The 28-year-old needs just one goal to reach a century of
strikes for the Reds, but Benitez feels he can go on to eclipse
that mark.
He said: "We are lucky to have the best midfielder in the world.
He scores great goals that few others can manage.
"But he can score a lot more. Once he has scored his 100th, then
we will give him the objective of maybe 150." <!-- E SF
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The influential central midfielder scored twice in Tuesday's
Champions League victory in Marseille to take his tally to 99
goals.
And Benitez told the club website: "It just shows the quality
and ability of Gerrard. He is a player who can play anywhere and
score fantastic goals. Not just normal goals, but we are talking
about fantastic goals too.
"You also have to play in a top side because at the end of the
day you need to attack and create chances. It's not easy but he is
still young and I think he will score a lot of goals and maybe he
will have a record as a midfielder.
"If he keeps playing as well as he is then why not? And if he
keeps taking the penalties it will be easier too. If he can score
against Stoke I will be really pleased."
Liverpool remain unbeaten in all competitions this season, and
Benitez has backed Gerrard to help the team extend that record
against Stoke City on Saturday.
He said: "The way to win is to play our own football. To keep
possession, keep passing and keep it on the ground.
"We must match them physically, and also make sure the technical
aspects of our game and our tactics prevail.
"But we have Gerrard. His goals tally is outstanding for a
midfielder who can play anywhere. There are maybe only two or three
players in the world who can score the sort of strike managed in
Marseille.
"He did it again today in training, so we know he can score like
that again.
"He can score a lot more for us, maybe get near to doubling his
current tally if he takes the penalties too!
"But to do that he must play in a good team, but it is possible
he could achieve a record of goals for a midfielder." <!-- E BO
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