Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes skipper Steven Gerrard will close his career as a striker.

Benitez insisted: "Stevie is a great finisher and can score great goals, so maybe he can play as a striker.

"When he is older and does not have the same pace, he will still have the accuracy and he can still be a great finisher.

"He's already one of the big names but I still think he can improve.

"From 26 to 29 is the best age for a player and Steven always wants to learn."