Brendan Rodgers: "World-class" Steven Gerrard can help Mario Balotelli

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that the "world-class" ability of Steven Gerrard can help Mario Balotelli thrive at Anfield.

Gerrard was switched from his deep-lying midfield role to a more advanced playmaker position in the second half of the Reds' 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, and the skipper combined well in parts with the Italy international.

Rodgers hailed Gerrard as a "superstar" and thinks that his midfielder can help unlock the potential of Balotelli.

He told reporters: "He is a superstar player. This player is world class and for people playing alongside Steven Gerrard it's a privilege.

"Steven is a player that makes the game look simple and Mario knows that he is playing with one of the greats of the game.

"So it's a combination of a top, outstanding player like Steven feeding a guy [like Mario] who needs certain types of passes and Steven can provide them."

Rodgers's side travel to Queens Park Rangers after the international break.