Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was named by UEFA [Images] on Thursday as the Most Valuable Player in last season's Champions League.

Gerrard scored the goal that sparked Liverpool's extraordinary fightback from 3-0 down to 3-3 in the final against AC Milan, which they went on to win on penalties.

His dynamic displays helped drive Liverpool through to the final, while his goal and all-round example in Istanbul were instrumental in the club winning the trophy for the fifth time.

"I'm still in shock, some of the players who have won it in the past, they are unbelievable players," Gerrard said after being presented with the award.

"It's a great honour and I'm very lucky to receive it."

Chelsea, beaten by Liverpool in last season's semi-finals, also featured in the awards when Petr Cech was named as the competition's best goalkeeper and John Terry the best defender.

Their midfielder Frank Lampard [Images] was edged out in the midfield department by AC Milan's Kaka [Images].

Adriano of Inter Milan and Andriy Shevchenko of AC Milan were beaten by World Player of the Year Ronaldinho [Images] of Barcelona in the best forward division.

It is the eighth year of the UEFA awards, which were made on Thursday ahead of the Champions League group stage draw.

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