Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina of Liverpool FC

PEPE REINA has hailed Steven Gerrard as the best player in the world after the Liverpool skipper received the latest accolade of his career.

Gerrard was yesterday named the Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association after his outstanding contribution this season.

The 28-year-old is the eighth Liverpool player to win the accolade and the first since John Barnes in the title-winning campaign of 1990.

Gerrard finished ahead of Manchester United duo Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs, the latter having already won the PFA Player of the Year award.

The England international has enjoyed his most prolific campaign in front of goal for the Anfield outfit, with his brace at West Ham United on Saturday taking his tally on to 23.

And team-mate Reina believes Gerrard’s form this season has not been bettered by any other player in the world.

“I am happy with Stevie winning the award,” said the Spanish goalkeeper. “It’s fully deserved – and not just in terms of England, but for the whole world.

“This season he has been superb – our best player, the best player in England and the best player in the world.

“Liverpool are a different team without him. We have to play and compete as a whole squad but he is key for us.”

Gerrard was beaten to the PFA award by Giggs last month, and Reina added: “To be honest, when it got out that Ryan Giggs had been given Player of the Year by the PFA, well it was fair because he’s played for a long time

“But for me Stevie was the one. The media have given the right award – it’s fully deserved.”