Alex Song: 'Steven Gerrard more important than Luis Suarez'

West Ham United midfielder Alex Song believes that Steven Gerrard has always been Liverpool's most important player even when Luis Suarez was on top form.

The 27-year-old is set to make his first start for the Hammers against Brendan Rodgers's side following his loan move from Barcelona.

Song feels that Gerrard's influence on the pitch has been more vital to the club's success, despite Suarez notching over 30 goals last season before the Uruguayan moved to the Catalan club in the summer.

He told reporters: "I think Gerrard is the best player I've ever seen in a Liverpool shirt for me. He is more important to Liverpool than Suarez.

"It is very important to have those kind of loyal players who play for Liverpool for a long time. It is a very different team when Gerrard is not in it."

West Ham face off against Liverpool in their Premier League clash later today.