Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said that club captain Steven Gerrard performs the role of a "lieutenant" at Anfield.

Gerrard, 33, put pen to paper on a new deal with the Reds this summer, and Rodgers said that it was the club's best signing of the campaign.

Following Jamie Carragher's retirement at the end of last season, Rodgers believes that Gerrard's leadership qualities are more important than ever.

"His influence here is still at such a high level," Rodgers told The Mirror. "The role he's provided for me is so important.

"I told the club in the summer that our biggest signing could be Steven Gerrard, because of the influence he has on everyone. It's about his hunger to learn and the leadership that he offers.

"It's vital to have a good lieutenant. He and Carra were certainly that for me last year - and he has picked up the baton again."

Rodgers was speaking ahead of Gerrard's testimonial match, which will take place at Anfield this Saturday against Greek side Olympiacos.