Gerrard said: "There is ability and then there is Rooney," insists Gerrard. "His talent is frightening. He's not as good as people think, he's better. Everton are extremely lucky to have him and they should do everything in their power to make sure they keep hold of him. I'd seen bits and pieces on him and heard other people talk about him. But I tend to judge as I find. In the week leading up to the Turkey game, I thought England have got a jewel here. When you think he's only 17 and Michael Owen is 23, it bodes well for England's future.
"we first met, there was a bit of aggro during the Merseyside derby and he got involved. But Rooney is a scouser like me and we have been brought up in similar back-grounds and I'm not into holding grudges. So I got very close to him when we met up with England squad prior to the Turkey game. I wouldn't say I went out of my way, it was more a natural thing because he's a local boy. If I ignored him, and that's not really me, who was going to break the ice? I wanted to make sure he didn't feel lost and in his room on his own. I wanted to make sure he felt comfortable and got out.
"So I just went up to his room, gave it a knock and swapped a few DVDs and CDs with him. I sat and had a few meals with him, played computer games and watched some films. I guess I just got to know him really.
"I have always felt that the better you get on with people off the pitch, the better you get on with them on it. He's a nice kid and we get on like a house on fire and now we speak at least two or three times a week on the phone.
"I know what it's like coming into the England camp when you're young, it's really difficult. You don't really know anybody and you walk around with a vacant expression on your face. You're in awe of some of the players. He's special though, the best around. He's got it all at at such a young age."