Rafa rated Gerrard as Europe’s top player

RAFAEL BENITEZ has sent Steven Gerrard and Liverpool on a mission to regain ground on their Barclays Premiership rivals, certain his skipper is “one of the best players in the world.”

Anfield boss Benitez made his bold statement the day after Gerrard was voted third in the European Player of the Year award, behind Barcelona's Ronaldinho and Frank Lampard of Chelsea.

Gerrard will lead the Champions League holders against Sunderland tonight, the Premiership's bottom club, knowing his manager expected him to win the top European crown, rather than finish third.