Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard expects to continue performing at the highest level well into his mid-30s, according to the club's head of performance Glen Driscoll.
The midfielder, who turns 33 in May, has played every minute of Liverpool's 30 Premier League matches this season, and that has seen him score eight goals and provide nine assists. Gerrard, like the rest of his team-mates, has benefited from a new training and recovery programme tailored to individual needs, and Driscoll believes that is reflected in his performances.
"We had confidence that, if managed correctly, Steven would be able to achieve everything he has achieved this year," Driscoll said. "Four or five years ago, people were saying it was very unlikely that Steven - with his injury history - would ever achieve this, let alone reach the milestones he has hit this year in terms of playing time at the age of 32."
He added: "It's a credit to Steven himself; his professionalism is second to none.
"Steven has confidence now that he can play at the highest level into his mid-30s - that's fantastic news for Liverpool."
The club's medical department underwent an overhaul when new manager Brendan Rodgers took over in the summer and Driscoll thinks those changes are now making a significant difference.
"We have around 90% availability rate this year with injuries, which is really good," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We've hit all the targets that we wanted to from a medical science perspective.
"We've looked very fit and we're pleased that we've made them fit for purpose.
"Naturally, if you've got most of your players available, it's clearly going to improve the probability of winning games."
Source: PA
