Steven Gerrard ranks Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez among the top three players in world football – and has therefore voted for the Uruguayan in the annual FIFA Ballon d'Or poll.

The Reds' No.7 produced another masterclass in finishing against Fulham at Anfield yesterday, notching twice to further increase his Barclays Premier League tally to eight in 2013-14.

His clinical performance followed news last week of inclusion on the 23-man shortlist alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and the leading luminaries of the game's top levels.

As captain of England, Gerrard is entitled to cast a vote in the nomination process. Unsurprisingly, the 33-year-old opted for Suarez when recently completing his ballot.

"I voted for him in my top three, he got one of my votes," the skipper told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Everyone knows how highly I rate him, we're very lucky to have him. He's certainly in the top four or five players in the world."

Victory over the Cottagers lifted the Reds above Chelsea into second place in the Premier League, reducing the gap behind pace-setters Arsenal to just two points.

Gerrard explained how a determination to instantly respond to defeat by the Gunners last weekend, coupled with a high-intensity strategy on Saturday, guided his side to the win.

He continued: "Early on in the week, we were all disappointed with our performances, individually and collectively.

Watch the video here »

"The only way you can put that right is to bounce back and try to put in a good performance. I thought we were relentless from the first whistle and thoroughly deserved our win.

"At home, the onus is on us to take the game to the opposition. Every time we struggle at Anfield, it's when we're slow out of the blocks and don't press aggressively.

"But our intensity was there, we were very aggressive, gave their back players no time on the ball, and we got our rewards."

The midfielder was involved in all four of Liverpool's goals against Fulham, directly creating three with his precise delivery from various positions.

"That's what midfielders are there for - to provide service for the attacking players," he said. "It was nice to get the assists."

In the week that Jordan Henderson - who has started every one of the Reds' Premier League fixtures so far this season - was recalled to the England squad, the No.14 was highlighted by his elder colleague.

Gerrard concluded: "He's a top lad, and works his socks off daily. He's probably been one of our most consistent players over the last couple of months.

"So it's thoroughly deserved; I just hope he gets a chance now because I know he'll take it. He loves his football - he's professional and works his socks off in the gym and out on the pitch.

"He's one of those players that you want to do well."