Steven Gerrard believes the influx of foreigners into the English game is making it harder for young players to break through at top clubs.
New Football Association chairman Greg Dyke stated his concern over the amount of imports into the Premier League in his first major speech last month and announced the setting up of a commission to look into the problem of dwindling English players in the top flight.
Raheem Sterling and Andre Wisdom have both managed to make an impact alongside Gerrard at Liverpool in recent seasons but the 33-year-old England captain admits that competition from overseas talent, coupled with the desire for instant success, is making it more difficult for managers to take risks.
“Managers are only ever eight to 10 days away from the sack, so to take risks on unknown young players is difficult,” he told BBC Breakfast.
“[Liverpool manager] Brendan Rodgers has been fantastic at this club because he has been brave and given young players a chance.
“But there are no two ways about it, it’s a lot more difficult to break through nowadays because of the standard of players and because there are a lot more foreigners about. That’s the whole top and bottom of it.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Lucas insists Luis Suarez has not been affected by speculation surrounding his future this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder said: “He’s a fighter and he will do everything he can to help the team. That’s what everyone expects from him and I don’t think he’s thinking any other way.”
