Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to “world-class” captain Steven Gerrard after he netted twice to haul the Reds into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
In his first game since revealing he will leave the Merseyside club for the United States at the end of the season, Gerrard scored a goal either side of the break - including a trademark free-kick - to seal a 2-1 victory over a spirited AFC Wimbledon.
The plucky League Two outfit had Liverpool worried at times, with burly forward Adebayo Akinfenwa equalising for the Dons before the break, but the former England midfielder demonstrated what Liverpool will miss with another inspirational performance.
"I've always said he's a world class player,” Rodgers said following the win.
“Maybe getting older and maybe at times the legs fatigue a wee bit, but he's absolute top draw.
"He's got that real sprinkling of quality that this team needs. His two goals tonight were fantastic."
Rodgers was relieved his side managed to avoid a potential banana skin, admitting their performance levels dipped in the first half before improving after half-time.
Wimbledon twice went close to scoring during that lull, with Liverpool rescued by a first-class safe from Simon Mignolet, and the Reds boss praised the character of his side to overcome their dogged opponents.
"It was a very tough game, congratulations to them - I think any coach or manager will tell you, you come to a stadium like this here and that type of game is very, very difficult," he added.
"I thought we started the game well, how we would want to, but then we lost our shape within the game and we presented them with chances by giving the ball away.
"We adapted at half-time and in the second half we could have had a few more chances but we still had to defend right the way through to the end.
"I've got to give a bit of testament to my players. We showed the character to come through and get the second goal and really - should have had two or three more."
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