Liverpool legend John Aldridge can't see Steven Gerrard taking a backseat role this season.
Aldridge wrote in the Sunday World: "I believe Liverpool will rely on their skipper more than ever this season, but his presence in the heart of the midfield for manager Brendan Rodgers will be vital in a season that will challenge my old club on several fronts.
"At the age of 34, Gerrard's role in the side is a little different to what it was three or four years ago, with the deeper midfield berth he filled superbly last season enabling him to extend his career for another couple of years at the very least.
"Gerrard confirmed in last season's title near-miss that he remains a potent force in the Premier League, but I suspect Liverpool may need another leader to stand up and be counted in a season when Champions League football will return to Anfield."
