Boss: Stevie wants to get even better

Rafa Benitez has revealed how Steven Gerrard is still constantly looking for ways to improve as a footballer and has taken to studying DVDs of his own performances.

The Liverpool captain is regarded as one of the finest players in world football - but despite this, he remains keen to try and further enhance his game, according to his manager.

And Gerrard collected a specially prepared recording highlighting his 'strengths and weaknesses' to take with him on international duty with England this week.

"Gerrard is a player who is always asking how he can improve," said Benitez. "He never stops wanting to learn.

"Before he left to join the English national side, he picked up a DVD prepared by the person in charge of match analysis at the club.

"It's a DVD of his strong points and his weaknesses, of his qualities and his faults, so he can make use of these few days and watch it before playing with the national side.

"When he left for the team base in London, he went straight to Melwood to get the DVD before leaving because he was very interested in the idea of analysing his match and trying to correct his mistakes.

"We spoke on the phone on Wednesday, because he was in a hurry for us to talk about its benefits.

"He's someone who always wants to get better, it's a fundamental part of him and it's a huge bonus for a manager."