Brendan Rodgers Admires Steven Gerrards ‘Hunger to Succeed,’ Wants Liverpool Captain to Extend His Contract

Brendan Rodgers praised Steven Gerrard’s hunger to mark his Liverpool era a successful one — and revealed he sees the captain continuing to star for his side for years to come.

The manager has been delighted with the 32-year-old’s desire to succeed since arriving at the club in the summer and admits he’s keen to extend Gerrard’s current Reds contract.

“I don’t think there’s any question [that we want to extend his contract],” said Rodgers. “It’s vital.

“Steven has a real hunger to succeed. He’s 32 years of age, but he’s still got so much left. He applies himself every day, he eats well, rests well, recovers well, works well.

“This is a guy who has led his life focused purely on being a footballer. And that allows you to go on playing well into your 30s.”

Gerrard turned in an outstanding display in Saturday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Fulham at Anfield, netting the Reds’ second goal of a highly satisfying afternoon.

“I think in fairness to Steven, the run that he made for the goal, he’s been doing that all season but the ball has just never arrived,” Rodgers added. “He’s still been making the runs, and his influence within the team has been outstanding. I thought he was really at the top of his game.

“His influence for me, especially once he’s started to understand what I’m looking for, has been absolutely first class.

“[Against Fulham] he had everything in his game, and he’s been an inspirational captain for us.”

Photo via LiverpoolFC.com