Steven Gerrard says last season's injury worries have been a blessing in disguise as he expects himself to be the fittest he has ever been. The Reds captain was restricted to 21 appearances in the Premier League last term as he had his season cut short because of groin surgery.
But England international Gerrard insists he will be back at his best in the 2011/12 season as Liverpool look to get back to the top of English football.
"I have confidence in what I can do. I am going to be in the best condition physically going into this season that I have been for the last 10 years," he told liverpoolfc.tv.
"I am working doubly hard on my body, on my core and on strengthening my groin, which I have suffered with.
"The operation went well and I have nearly double the strength in the groin now than before. The physios at Liverpool are measuring that on a weekly basis and the results show that.
"I know I will be rusty in friendlies but I have confidence that I am going to be the freshest I have been, both mentally and physically, for a long, long time."
And Gerrard is looking forward to a new season under Kenny Dalglish who managed to get things back on track after a horrendous start to last campaign under Roy Hodgson.
"I've not kicked a ball for a long time, probably the longest I have gone in my career, and I can't wait to get back now," Gerrard added.
"I am excited about playing under Kenny Dalglish, just like the team did at the end of the season, which was going forward.
"We were playing with bottle and character and going all out to beat teams. And that always suits my style of playing."
