The boss is pleased to see Gerrard fit again after injury as he sets a great example for the other players.
"Steven helps all players, and it is harder to find leaders in the world of football today. You think of the great teams of the past and their leaders jump out at you," said Hodgson.
"Often there were several in the same team. Danny Blanchflower and Dave Mackay at Spurs, the great Arsenal team with Adams etc.
"Today it is not so easy to pick out the leaders. We are lucky to have one or two but what you are fighting for as a coach is to get more leaders in your team.
"The less results you get the less leaders you have though, it's as simple as that."