Steven Gerrard
Gerrard has included Suarez in his top three.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says striker Luis Suarez is among his choices for the world footballer of the year award.

Suarez, who is among 23 nominees for the award due to be announced in January, has scored 25 goals in all competitions this year and is the highest scoring player in the Premier League in 2013.

Four-time winner Lionel Messi is the bookmakers' favourite for the award alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but Gerrard, permitted to vote as the England captain, has chosen his Liverpool team-mate

"I voted for him [Suarez] in my top three," Gerrard told reporters.

"I think everyone knows how much I rate him, I think we are very lucky to have him and we have to enjoy him while he's here.

"For me he is one of the top four or five players in the world for sure."

The 33 year old added: "I asked if the rules can be that you can vote for one of your own players and they gave me the green light so he got one of my votes."

Since the return of Suarez from a 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic, the Uruguay international has scored eight goals in seven games including two in Liverpool's 4-0 win against Fulham.

Manager Brendan Rodgers has seldom been able to field Gerrard alongside Suarez and strike partner Daniel Sturridge this season, and the skipper admits he was originally concerned whether the combination would work in a new-look Liverpool team.

"I will be honest and say that at the start, I wasn't sure whether it would work," the Liverpool midfielder told the Daily Mail. "But it has clicked without much work in training. I'm excited as I think it can get better.

"Daniel has grown as a player. He has been great for Liverpool but Liverpool have been great for him. If he keeps listening to the right people, he can improve."

Lionel Messi Luis suarez Liverpool FC