Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he has no doubts about Raheem Sterling’s future as one of the Premier League’s finest talents, following his display in the 2-2 draw with Everton at Goodison Park.

Gerrard applauded the attitude as much as as the ability of the 17-year-old, who was appearing in the fixture for the first time, and indeed only making his 11th league appearance as a senior player.

“He will be one of the top players in the league, there’s no doubt about it. The way he stands up and wants the ball, he doesn’t hide,” Gerrard told reporters. “He’s a credit to himself. He’s got some bottle. That’s what you look for in young lads.”

Sterling was unable to take a good opportunity to put his side in front just after half-time, but his captain insists that the winger should not be losing any sleep over the miss, and that it did not detract from a fine all-round performance.

“There was the chance early in the second half when he was through on goal, when he matures a little bit and gets that bit of composure into his game that will come. We have all been there,” Gerrard added.

“I thought Sterling was fantastic. At 17 years of age, playing away in a derby, in a cauldron and an atmosphere like that, he was outstanding.

“You wonder whether they have got the bottle to play away from home against top teams in tough situations. He handled it superbly and he has been a revelation for us.

“I don’t think the Everton players would have known much about Raheem Sterling before Sunday. But I think they will be seeing an awful lot of him in the future.

“He will be playing in many Merseyside derbies and he will have a major impact on them.”