Current Liverpool squad the best since he broke on to the scene in 1998.
The Reds captain – who has played in Champions League and treble-winning sides - insists he has never known competition for places to be so fierce.
The skipper said: "This is the first time in my Anfield career that I see genuine competition for every place in the team.
"There are at least two, even three, players battling for every starting jersey and that can only be good for everyone.
"You have to play well to keep a place and there are no guarantees at all for the starting XI each week.
"That is the thing this season, no-one in the dressing room can presume they are an automatic pick because there is so much quality right through the team."
Gerrard has been delighted with the way he and his teammates have started the season.
The Reds picked up an opening day victory at Villa Park before dominating Chelsea at Anfield last weekend.
He said: "We have made a positive start to the new campaign and the new boys have made a positive contribution to our success.
"They are still getting to grips with the intricacies of English football and the systems and patterns the manager prefers here, but it is a big bonus for us that they have all hit the ground running.
"We have sent a loud message to the rest of the league that we will be serious contenders this season, but that is all it does. Nothing is won in August."
Gerrard is a doubt for Liverpool's trip to Sunderland on Saturday lunch-time because of a hairline fracture in one of his toes. |
發表於 2007-8-24 05:40 PM
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