The midfielder is glad to have consigned a groin injury to the past and has called on experienced players to lead the squad following the exits of Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes he is as fit as ever heading into his 16th season in the Premier League.

Gerrard will play in his testimonial for the club on Saturday against Olympiakos and feels he is well prepared for the new season, after overcoming a series of groin problems.

Asked if he felt ready for the season, he told reporters: “I do, actually.

“That is not just because of the pre-season work I’ve done so far, I think it’s been over the last 14 to 16 months since I had my groin fixed – I haven’t felt better.

“In pre-season so far I’ve done the majority of the training and played all the minutes in the games – I feel really good and strong.”

Liverpool have seen experienced campaigners Pepe Reina and Jamie Carragher leave the club over the close-season, with the former joining Napoli and the latter retiring.

As a result, Gerrard has called on other senior members of the squad to step up and assist him at the club.

“I think it’s also down to other players in the group,” he continued.

“Now that Jamie’s left and Pepe’s gone I think it’s time for the likes of Daniel Agger, Lucas Leiva, Glen Johnson and other experienced players to come behind me and help me lead this team to big things.

“The talent’s certainly there, now we just have to deliver.”