"Carra has come on in leaps and bounds this season, and for me the praise he has been getting is long overdue," said Gerrard.
"He has been a fantastic player for Liverpool for years. He has stood out for us this season because his game has improved so much. He can now be considered a truly world class defender, and there's no doubt about it - he's a massive influence for us.
"The manager said recently he's as good as any defender in the country. I'm not sure everyone believed him but they should now. Carra doesn't get the credit he deserves. He is underestimated and has been for years. That has never been the case in our dressing room or among the fans. To us, he is a hero.
"Now others will surely start accepting that he is definitely at the same level as John Terry and England's other outstanding central defenders.
"He was always a good defender, but he's added a lot to his game this season. There's a confidence, experience and maturity about how he plays now. As well as defending so well, he looks to bring the ball out and set up attacks.
"That's the confidence you get from maintaining high standards. You can move up from the back and try things that maybe you wouldn't have attempted before.
"You are seeing that from Carra, and he has won our player of the year hands down."