Liverpool ace Fernando Torres says skipper Steven Gerrard deserves greater recognition.

"When people talk about the best footballers in Europe, they always single out Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo, but Gerrard is just as strong," said El Nino.

"Messi and Ronaldo are special talents and the fact that they are in teams winning the important trophies means they stand out from the rest.

"I'm spoilt having a teammate like Gerrard as I can count on him supplying me with perfect passes. You make the run into the space and however tightly marked he is, he finds a way to get the ball through.

"The highest compliment I can pay him is that he's as creative as a Xavi at Barcelona, with something extra as well. When you add his energy, toughness, leadership and goal scoring ability and the result is a fantastic all-round player.

"Maybe I am biased because he is my team-mate and friend, but Stevie does not get the credit he deserves either in England or with European fans. This can change in 2010 when he has a chance to confirm his class with Liverpool and in the World Cup."