Steven Gerrard was today named UEFA's most valuable player of last season. Gerrard collected his award at a ceremony in Monaco this afternoon and his manager believes the accolade is fully deserved.

"For sure, I agree with UEFA's decision in giving this award to Steven," said coach Rafa Benitez.

"He was an important player for us right through last season's Champions League competition. In the final, especially, he played midfield, right wing and right full-back, as well as scoring the goal that kick-started our comeback. His goal gave the rest of the team the power and strength to believe we could win the cu

Tuesday 13 September Real Betis (Away)

Wednesday 28 September Chelsea (Home)

Wednesday 19 October Anderlecht (Away)

Tuesday 1 November Anderlecht (Home)

Wednesday 23 November Real Betis (Home)

Tuesday 6 December Chelsea (Away)

Champions League holders Liverpool and favourites Chelsea have been drawn in the same group for the first phase of this season's competition.
It is the draw neither English club would have wanted and they will also face Anderlecht and Real Betis.

Manchester United's biggest threat will come from Everton's conqueror's Villarreal, while Rangers face Inter Milan and Porto in a tough group.

Arsenal have a relatively easy passage with Ajax their trickiest opponent.

GROUP A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Club Brugge
Rapid Vienna

GROUP B
ARSENAL
Ajax
Sparta Prague
Thun

GROUP C
Barcelona
Panathinaikos
Werder Bremen
Udinese

GROUP D
MAN UTD
Villarreal
Lille
Benfica

GROUP E
AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven
Schalke
Fenerbahce

GROUP F
Real Madrid
Lyon
Olympiakos
Rosenborg

GROUP G
LIVERPOOL
CHELSEA
Anderlecht
Real Betis

GROUP H
Inter Milan
Porto
RANGERS
Artmedia Bratislava

Jerzy Dudek has been ruled out of action for up to three months after a fracture-dislocation of his elbow picked up at the end of a training session at Melwood on Monday.