Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says Rafa Benitez's tactical tinkering has made him become a world great.Benitez has consistently been criticised for failing to turn out a settled starting XI, with Gerrard just one of the players who has been forced to regularly shift positions.
England international Gerrard has popped up in every position across the midfield, and has even been used as a second forward playing behind Spanish hitman Fernando Torres.
Despite media pundits and fans alike accusing Benitez of failing to get the very best from a wandering Gerrard, the 28-year-old has admitted that he has only benefitted from Rafa's chop and change policy.
"OK, he has played me in different positions," said Gerrard who will be on the hunt for his 100th Liverpool goal against Everton on Saturday.
"But I feel a lot more comfortable now in that I can play almost anywhere on the pitch.
"Rafa has taken my game to the next level. I feel since he's been here my game has come on in leaps and bounds - he's certainly improved me as a player.
"There are some games when I have to change my style of play.
"If it is a big game, for example, I realise that I can't just be bombing into the box all the time.
"There are times when I have to be a bit more disciplined. We'll have to wait and see where I'll play for the majority of the season.
"But I know I can fit into a number of positions and do a job for the team."
With Liverpool enjoying a decent start to the season, Gerrard has found himself turning out in the centre of midfield thanks to the arrival from Tottenham of Robbie Keane, a more withdrawn role compared to the one he had last campaign when he scored a highly creditable 21 goals.
Gerrard, however, would not have any difficulties in pushing further forward - should his manager ask him to.
"I enjoyed playing in that role. The manager knows if there are ever any injuries or he simply wants to stick me up there again, I can play it," he said.
"Torres was running riot last season, causing defenders all sorts of problems.
"While they were worrying about him, I was sneaking in and nicking a few goals. There's no doubt Fernando has certainly helped me.
"I was really pleased with my goals tally last season and would be delighted to emulate it again this time.
"I don't really set myself a goals target as such but if you look at the way I play, as an attacking midfielder or in behind Fernando, I'd be expecting to get 15 or so a season.
"Nowadays, the game has gone to the next level.
"It used to be double figures for a central midfielder but I think Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard raised the bar to more like 15 or 20."
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