Gerrard hails high-impact duo

Torres has been named the club's player of the season, while Babel is the young player of the season in the poll being organised by the club website, liverpoolfc.tv.

"I enjoy playing alongside Torres, it is great to have him here and he has been player of the year hands down. His movement and runs are fantastic. Hopefully he can take this into next season," said Gerrard.

"What has struck me about him, besides the goals, is his work rate and how much he is up for it.

"Usually when you bring in foreign players there can be a concern about whether they will be able to handle the physical side of the Premier League. How long are they going to take to adapt to the push and shove?

"But from the first game against Chelsea, he was all over their defenders, harassing them. If he gets kicked he's straight back up. He loves it! This is what has struck me most because I always expected him to get the goals."

Speaking to the club website, Gerrard added: "He is a powerful boy, he doesn't go down. He is strong, has great character and works hard for the team. He is a great buy so far.

"As for Ryan, he is still young and has made a big impact from the bench, and he has also done well in some matches he has started and he has a bright future.

"If he's willing to learn then he has got the right players around him to help his game. But it is all about Ryan now and how much he wants to take his game to the next level, because he has certainly got the attributes.

"But I have seen it with so many players when they have had this ability and not taken it to the next level. It is up to him now how much he wants to be one of the top players about, because he certainly could be."