"This is a good reward for Steve because he's a nice boy, a good professional and the captain of this club," said the Liverpool boss.
"Everyone must be very proud of him, but I would also say this is an award for the club, the supporters, his team-mates and his coaches.
"In football you can never recognise just one player. Steven has been at this club for years and has worked with many coaches at the Academy and Melwood and all through that time he has had the supporters behind him.
"You cannot play at your level all the time if you don't have people backing you."