Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez has described Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as a "big rock".

Gerrard fired a hat-trick in the Reds last top-flight game on home soil against Everton, and Martinez knows how big an influence he is for Kenny Dalglish's charges.

"Gerrard is an outstanding footballer and I think he is more than a footballer," said Martinez.

"He represents what it means to play football and look at what he's achieved for that football club which is quite unique.

"The problem you have with Liverpool is if you concentrate too much on Gerrard then you allow too much space for Suarez, Downing, Kuyt, and the list goes on.

"I think this is a very good Liverpool side which is getting stronger, and I'm sure it will continue to get stronger season by season with players gelling together.

"You need big rocks, players who set the standards and Gerrard is one of them."