Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of under-fire Steven Gerrard, claiming that his captain's critics are being "hugely unfair".

The 34-year-old midfielder has come under scrutiny for his performances in a campaign that has proven the Reds' worst start to a season for 22 years.

Gerrard has been operating in a deeper role in recent years, and Rodgers says that his detractors should take that into consideration before suggesting that his influence is waning.

"I think the spotlight he has been under is incredible. Everything for us is based around being a team," he told Sky Sports News. "If people are expecting Steven Gerrard to be the type of player he was 10 years ago that is sadly not the case.

"He has slowly been adapting to a position I felt he could benefit the team but a player who was scoring 15 goals a season and making 13 or 14 assists... he is not that type of player [any more].

"It is hugely unfair he is judged at that level. He is a wonderful player and I can quite safely say he is the best player I have worked with in terms of footballing mentality and the loyalty he has shown to this club is without question."

The Merseysiders sit 12th in the Premier League table after suffering six defeats this season.