Liverpool's manager Rafael Benítez believes Steven Gerrard should be named PFA player of the year next month.

Nemanja Vidic and Ryan Giggs of Manchester United are favourites for the award but Benítez thinks his captain, who has scored 21 goals this campaign and led Liverpool to second in the league and the quarter-final of the Champions League, should take the honour.

"He would be my vote. If he can continue playing at this level, then why not?" Benítez said. "For me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. To say one is the best above anyone else is difficult because there are a lot of quality players about, but he is one of the best. That is clear.

"He is more mature, he is still learning and tactically he is improving. He can still play better because he has the potential. But he has quality and always tries to improve in every training session. That is very positive. You know when he is on the pitch you have more options to win."

Gerrard, who is currently with the England squad, said this week that he believes his form is partly down to his more advanced role at Liverpool, something his manager agrees with.

"Changing his position and seeing him play in a different role has improved a lot," added Benítez. "He scored 23 goals one year and now he has 21 and can score more before the end of this season, so that is very positive for the team and also for him. When Gerrard and [Fernando] Torres are together for us, the rest of the team has more confidence. It is good for the rest of the players as they get a lot of confidence when we have those two on the pitch."