Sterling’s versatility in being able to operate as a striker has provided under-pressure boss Brendan Rodgers with a welcome boost, and Gerrard hopes to see the 20-year-old stick around for a lot longer.

He told a number of national newspapers: “I hope he signs a new contract at the club because I think this club is perfect for him, certainly for the next few years.

“He’s going to play most weeks, the fans love him here. He can progress here and become a top, top player here so I hope the people around him give him the right advice because he should stay here.

“He’s great to watch, great to play with, he’s got that pace. When you look up he’s always giving you an option and that’s what I’ve thrived on throughout my career at Liverpool with the likes of Fernando Torres, Michael Owen.

“There’s nothing better as a midfielder when you look up and see pace running in behind. I saw it on numerous occasions [against Bournemouth in midweek] and hopefully it will continue because it stretches teams and creates chances.”

Sterling’s brace in a 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Wednesday was a real pressure reliever after a run of poor results.

His finishing was also impressive, having squandered a number of clear-cut chances at Manchester United on Sunday.

“You’ve got to be able to have that [versatility] in your locker if you want to be top drawer,” added Gerrard.

“Raheem’s got potential to be top drawer for sure. He took a lot of stick after the weekend but I thought his all-round performance was magnificent, the only thing that was missing was a finish and that came [against Bournemouth].

“The exciting thing for all of us is that he’s English and going to be a top, top player. I think he can play anywhere along the front, he’s that intelligent. He’s got to keep learning, he’s got to keep wanting it.”