Lionel Messi Couldn't Replace Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, Says James Milner

New Liverpool midfielder James Milner faces the unenviable task of trying to fill the chasm left by the departure of former captain Steven Gerrard next season.

The former Manchester City utility man—who has netted in both of his pre-season appearances for the Reds—doesn't think any one man, including Lionel Messi, can replicate what Gerrard achieved in his 18-year spell at Anfield.

"I don't think there's someone on the planet who could replace Gerrard for what he did for Liverpool football club over the years, so as a team we need to replace his output," Milner said, reported by Dan Colasimone of ABC.

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Milner also made the assertion that he is a "different player" to Gerrard before suggesting the world's best would run into difficulties when making up for the English midfielder's absence.

"Even Messi would struggle to replace Stevie for what he's done for Liverpool over the years," continued Milner. "What he's done on and off the field, as a player and as a captain, as a person, he's been amazing. It's a big void to fill but I'm sure as a team we can do that."

While Messi would obviously score and create far more goals for the Reds, Milner's comments are based on Gerrard's leadership skills and long-term contribution to the club. Like Messi, he managed to define Liverpool's recent era with his match-winning quality and ability to thrust the side toward success in difficult situations.

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Supporters will gleefully remember Gerrard's rescue act against Olympiacos en route to the 2005 Champions League final. Once at the Istanbul showpiece, he scored Liverpool's first goal in a match which saw them overturn a 3-0 half-time deficit against AC Milan to claim victory in the penalty shootout.

In 2006, Gerrard netted a stunning last-minute equaliser to send the FA Cup final against West Ham to extra time at 3-3. He scored in the shootout and once again drove his team to success with a combative display.

Gerrard's character and determination underlines his time with the club, which ended with a move to Los Angeles Galaxy this summer. He isn't as mobile or energetic as he used to be, but Gerrard can still make a difference, highlighted by MLS (h/t B/R UK):

Granted, rival fans will mock Gerrard for the infamous slip against Chelsea in 2014—which saw Demba Ba score in a Blues victory, allowing Manchester City to secure the title ahead of Liverpool—but it's unjust for this to remain the defining image of his Reds career.

Milner is a smart summer acquisition for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers. He can now play in a central-midfield position—after being used in a versatile, rotational role by City boss Manuel Pellegrini—and will be confident of making an immediate impression with greater playing time.

As Milner noted, he will need the likes of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Joe Allen and other midfielders to perform if the impact of Gerrard's departure isn't going to linger. B/R UK's Sam Tighe believes Milner will prove to be an extremely useful signing for the club:

New skipper Henderson recently commented on Gerrard's influence, tweeted by James Pearce of the Liverpool Echo:

Milner isn't starting a debate over whether Messi is a better player, or who would produce the most telling contribution on the scoresheet. Instead, he simply underlined Gerrard's importance and how Liverpool fans shouldn't expect an instant fix.

It's vital to remember, even after his exit, Gerrard's name will never stop being synonymous with Liverpool. In this respect, his impact is more than comparable with Messi's historic tenure at Barcelona.