Jamie Redknapp has insisted that Steven Gerrard's performances are not the reason for Liverpool's struggles this season.

The 34-year-old has been criticised for his below-par start to the campaign, but he produced an excellent display in the Merseyside derby although it wasn't enough to earn his side three points against Everton.

Redknapp feels that people questioning the Liverpool skipper's form are being "ridiculous" and is adamant that their problems are elsewhere in the team.

He wrote in the Daily Mail: "I had to laugh this week when people started writing Steven Gerrard off. Liverpool have a few bad results and all of a sudden it's his fault? Don't be ridiculous.

"Gerrard has bailed his team out so many times and if there is a better player who can do that job for Liverpool then I've yet to see him. Yes, he will need to be rested at times but there's a big difference between being rested and being dropped.

"Liverpool have lost Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge has been injured, so there are reasons why they are struggling. But it's so easy to jump on the bandwagon and say people are finished. It's just lazy."

Brendan Rodgers's side are 12th in the Premier League after six matches this season.