Sunday, October 05, 2008

Gerrard Will Never Leave Liverpool, Says Benitez


Rafael Benitez has told Steven Gerrard he can score 20 goals a season for the next five years to double his current century of goals for Liverpool.

The Anfield boss, who has ruled out any thought from Manchester City that Gerrard would ever consider moving there despite their new-found wealth, has big plans himself for his skipper's future.

Gerrard scored his 100th for the club in Wednesday's Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

And he will lead unbeaten Liverpool tomorrow against the club now dubbed the richest in the world since their takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, whose new owners claim they want to sign the 28 year-old.

And Benitez says: 'Steven is young still, he has to score maybe 20 goals a season for five years, but he can do it.

'If he has no injuries he can do it. He is more mature now, he knows what to do on the pitch, he can score at that level.

'He is enjoying his football now at his age. The quality that he had is really improving.

'I rate Gerrard amongst the very best offensive midfielder in the world, maybe there are only four or five players in his role in the world who are as good.

'The key is that he wants to stay here, that is the most important thing. It is not a question of money.

'He has a commitment with the club and the fans, and as a local lad he would prefer to stay here.

'This is his club. He is a key player for us and he is happy here. We are improving every year and he knows that we can win trophies. That is the most important thing.

'You never know about other players, they are professionals and this is football. But Gerrard is playing well and if we are improving he will be very, very happy here.'

Liverpool have Javier Mascherano back in contention to start, having been rested against PSV.

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