While goals have proven hard to come by for Liverpool – just 27 in their last 25 games – at least the defence has rediscovered its mean streak, with five clean sheets in the last six Premier League games.

“For a team to start playing well, the first thing that needs to be sorted is the defence,” says Gerrard. “You can be a bit more adventurous going forward after that.

“The team has been a lot more solid. It’s stopped us being a little bit more ambitious, but I understand where the manager is coming from. Those clean sheets can help us get results and build more confidence.”

Such belief will be key when Liverpool entertain Everton in today’s 213th Merseyside derby. With a trip to Arsenal to come on Wednesday, it is an important week for Benitez’s side and Gerrard admits the value of victory this afternoon will be greater than most.

“We’ve got to try and treat this as just another game,” he says. “But we know that the confidence you can get from winning a Merseyside derby is massive. It can be another sign we are on the right path.

“When we beat Everton at Goodison earlier this season it hurt them very much, and it’s helped them to turn their season around. They’ve gone on a fantastic run and have done really well.

“We know it will be a close game but we believe that our fans can give us an advantage. Our confidence is improving and we’re ready.”

With near rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa facing off later today, Liverpool could end the day back in a Champions League qualification berth.

And Gerrard says: “Fourth place is the realistic target given what has happened this season. We have to keep fighting for the top four, it’s important financially and every player wants to be involved in the Champions League.

“We’ll try and bring the Europa League back, it’s the only trophy we can win now. We won’t give up on a higher place in the Premier League but we’ve got to be realistic – we’re aiming for a Champions League place now.

“It’ll take more than simple character but the performances of late have shown we have a base in place now. What you’ll hopefully see in the coming weeks in the team playing better football and getting more results.”

For Gerrard, today is the perfect stage to build on that platform.