After 15 years at the top, Steven Gerrard is still a vital cog in the Liverpool machine and has the energy to operate in a variety of roles, according to first-team coach Mike Marsh.

The skipper calmly converted from the spot against Crystal Palace at Anfield last weekend - and, in doing so, ensured he's now found the net in 15 consecutive seasons for the Reds.

It meant the 33-year-old surpassed Billy Liddell's record of 14, on the day he edged past another legend, Tommy Smith, in the club's all-time appearances list.

Former midfielder Marsh hailed the remarkable achievement - and backed Gerrard, who has operated in a deeper role this season, to flourish in any system Brendan Rodgers seeks to implement.

He told Liverpoolfc.com: "It's a fantastic feat. Just to play for 15 seasons is enough, but to actually be on the score-sheet in every one of those seasons is a massive achievement for Steven.

"There aren't many others who have achieved it - Ryan Giggs is another one, but I don't think there are many more than that - and that shows just how difficult it is to achieve.

"Of course he's still vital to the team. It's more by accident than design that Steven's playing a little bit deeper. We've changed formation from two at the back to a three and he has sat in there with Lucas on occasions.

"Steven's still got the legs to play anywhere on the pitch, but I'm sure whatever formation the manager players, he'll be up for it."

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