There can be few better examples of being a National Treasure than Steven Gerrard.

Liverpool captain Gerrard, 32, is a devoted one club man, has won over 100 caps for England and also leads his country.

Gerrard is in the veteran stage of his career but remains as important as ever for Liverpool and for England. One of England's best players of a generation.

That's why Gerrard is the latest player to feature in our new series National Treasures. The Best of British who stand out from the crowd.

In the next few weeks, we will be looking at a few home grown players who have become National Treasures.

Our new and final part of our Vauxhall campaign highlights British stars who are shining brightly in the Premier League.

We'd love you, our readers, to get involved and tell us what you think of players: whether they are world class and how they fare against their opponents.

This week we're looking at a Premier League and England legend in the making: Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard seems to have been around for so long that it is sometimes easy to take him for granted.

But Liverpool's marauding midfielder remains as important for club and country as he has ever been. In fact, Gerrard has now taken on a new role as captain, leader and example for emerging young players at Anfield and for England.

Gerrard made his Liverpool debut way back in November 1998 and soon established himself as a fans' favourite thanks to being a local lad made good, wholehearted and passionate as well as matching his superb ability on the pitch.

There have been opportunities to join other clubs yet Gerrard ultimately decided to stay at Liverpool.

Huge rewards have come along the way with perhaps the most notable in the 2005 Champions League final when he helped Liverpool pull off the most remarkable recovery, overturning AC Milan's 3-0 half time lead before the Reds won on penalties.

The 2006 FA Cup final will also be remembered as the "Gerrard final" as he led a Liverpool fightback against West Ham - including an injury time leveller - to eventually take the match to penalties when he scored one of the spot kicks to take the trophy back to Anfield.

Gerrard remains a dominant force as he now is the driving force in midfield for Liverpool and England. At club level, Gerrard is a shining example for Liverpool youngsters like Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom. At international level, the likes of Jack Wilshere can learn from him. England will need Gerrard at his best in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Steven Gerrard is truly a National Treasure.

Source: Mirror.co.uk