Lucas Leiva, LFC _300

And the Brazilian has cited the Anfield skipper as his main inspiration since arriving at the club.

“For me it’s not a surprise because he has been superb all season,” said the Brazilian. “We know how important he is to this team and Liverpool.

“For me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. I think only two or three players are maybe at the same level as him so he deserves all the credit.

“I’ve been at Liverpool for two years now and I’ve learned a lot from Stevie. Every day I watch him in training and you can see just what a world class player he is.

“He gives 100% always in training and I learn a lot of things every day from him.”

However, not everyone in football has agreed with the decision of the media to give Gerrard the award, with John Terry upset that Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard wasn’t honoured.

“I can’t believe Lamps hasn’t won it if I’m honest,” said Terry.

“Nemanja Vidic has done well, but even with him one bad game at Liverpool and everyone ruled him out of it.

“Six years now I’ve been playing consistently with Lamps and he scores 20 goals a year, for a midfielder that is unbelievable.

“Jamie Carragher might tell you Stevie G deserves to win it, but for me seeing Lamps day in and day out what he brings to this club is incredible.

“As a group of players we feel Lamps should be as a minimum in the top three.”