Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes his skipper Steven Gerrard does not fully realise how good he can become.

But Benitez now sees a growing maturity in Gerrard that will also benefit England and the much-maligned partnership with Frank Lampard.

Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester City at Anfield, intent on protecting their 13-month unbeaten home league record.

Gerrard had his best game of the season in the midweek Champions League defeat of PSV Eindhoven, and saw him net only his second goal of the campaign.

And Benitez is aware Gerrard, now back in his favoured central midfield role, feels he is close to his best.

But not in the eyes of the Spanish boss, who said: "He can score goals, win the ball in the air, be good at set pieces, everything. When he says he is close to his best, maybe he does not know his true potential." [ More ]