‘Inspirational Stevie G’

DAVID SNEYD

DAVID MOYES says he has been impressed by Steven Gerrard’s ability to galvanise Aston Villa from the dugout in the same way he inspired Liverpool as captain.

The former Everton boss (above, right) welcomes his old Kop foe to the London Stadium today needing to maintain some breathing space in the European spots.

Villa have won three on the bounce and a victory in the capital would take them to within six points of the Hammers. “I always admired the quality of player of Steven Gerrard,” said Moyes. “I used to say, when I was at Everton and competing against Liverpool, it was always an incredibly difficult situation because they were successful, and they had incredibly talented players.

“But I always felt the players who drove Liverpool on were Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, they made them realise the club they were playing for. Steven

Gerrard was an incredible player, he could do all sorts of things.

“He’s now in a different part of his career and I’ve got to say he made a really good start with what he did at Glasgow Rangers. And it looks like he’s made a really good early start with Aston Villa, too.”