Luis Suarez feels that Steven Gerrard is "irreplaceable" at Liverpool, after the captain made his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old will end his 17-year professional career with the Reds after agreeing to join MLS side the Los Angeles Galaxy when his contract ends in July.
Suarez, who played with Gerrard at Anfield for four years, is adamant that it will be impossible to fill his role as a leader and a top-class player at the club.
The Barcelona striker told The Mirror: "There are a small number of players in the world that are irreplaceable, and Steven is one of them. Not just irreplaceable as a player, but also as a captain, and what he represents for Liverpool.
"Liverpool are a great team though, big players will want to play for them. They have great midfield players already there who can make a step up - and I am sure the boss is already thinking about replacements.
"Steven will always be somebody I respect as a player and a person. He has had a big impact on my career. He told me to give Liverpool another season and leave if Barcelona wanted me. That is probably the most important advice I have ever taken."
Gerrard is expected to be in the Liverpool starting lineup for their Premier League match against Sunderland later today.
Simon Sinclair
