Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has laughed off claims he's the best player in the world. "It's very flattering and it makes me smile when people talk well about my game and how I'm performing," he told Setanta Ireland.

"But I don't agree with being the best midfielder in the world. There's a lot of fantastic midfield players out there and it's very nice to be talked about in terms of those top players.

"The players I admire now are playing at Barcelona. Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Xavi. They are the players I watch who really excite me and I think to myself they're on a different level to all other footballers out there.

"Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United is a very good player as well, although it hurts me to say it because he's a rival.

"I also think we're very lucky to have Fernando Torres. He was a wonderful signing for the football club.

"He's young and has already shown he's one of the best players in the world.

"We're very lucky to have him."