Though the 33-year-old has adapted into a deeper midfield position, the Reds left-back feels that his quality is undiminished

Liverpool defender Jose Enrique says that captain Steven Gerrard is as important to the team as he has ever been.

The midfielder has been an ever-present in the Premier League this season, forging a partnership with Lucas Leiva and helping the Reds to second in the table.

The 33-year-old provided assists for Martin Skrtel and Luis Suarez in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Fulham and Enrique feels that he remains a key figure despite moving to a deeper role.

“He has been playing fantastic like always. He’s our captain and he’s been really, really important for us,” the left-back told reporters.

“When you get older, you lose something physically and, when he was playing with [Fernando] Torres, he was more behind the striker, making runs.

“Now he plays deeper, keeps more of the ball and works differently. He is playing with Lucas now in that sitting role, which he didn’t play when he was younger.

“But the quality of the passes and the crosses he produces, and the free kicks … at 50 years of age, he will still be doing the same thing! He will always have that and his quality is amazing.”