The 28-year-old beat Manchester United's Ryan Giggs - the recently-crowned PFA Player of the Year - and Wayne Rooney to the accolade.

Gerrard has been on top form this season, scoring 23 goals, 15 of which were in the Barclays Premier League to help Liverpool sustain a title challenge with Manchester United.

However, the England midfielder said much credit had to go to the club's backroom staff and playing squad for helping him perform to the maximum on a regular basis.

"I'm delighted but I'm a little bit surprised," he said.

"When you look at the quality of the players there are in this league, it's a great privilege to win this kind of award.

"It's not just the Manchester United players. When you look at the players the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal and other teams have got, they all have fantastic players throughout their squads now.

"The quality is getting better and better each year so to win this award is a great achievement for myself.

"But I've had fantastic help along the way from everyone at this football club.

"My family and friends come every time I play and everything I achieve in football they are a very big part of that because they are there for me 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"But the biggest thank yous have to go to the manager, the coaching staff and my team-mates.

"Individual awards are great but you don't win them without great help from those people."

Gerrard is the first Liverpool player since John Barnes in 1990 - the last time the Reds won the championship - to claim the honour.

He said he was honoured to be joining the ranks of some former greats at Anfield.

"It's made even more special for me because I am following in the footsteps of Liverpool players like John Barnes, Steve Nicol and Kenny Dalglish who were heroes of mine," he added.

"Then further back players like Ian Callaghan and Terry McDermott who were heroes to my dad and so many other Liverpool fans."

Benitez paid tribute to Gerrard for the season he has had, and also his attitude.

"I'm really pleased for Steven. It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players," Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv.

"For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved.

"He has scored 23 goals for our team already this season and clearly he has had another fantastic season.

"Everyone at the club is delighted that he has been given this award.

"When Steven was told that he was the winner the first thing he said to me was thanks to the staff and thanks to his team-mates.

"This is a very positive reaction and shows how much Steven is part of a team."

Chairman of the FWA Steve Bates, chief football writer for The People, said: "Steven's performances this season have been of the highest quality.

"His drive and desire have underpinned Liverpool's Premier League title challenge and ensured a tight finish to the season.

"Steven is clearly in his prime and quite rightly rated one of the finest midfield players of his generation, and the FWA are delighted to honour his contribution to club and country."

Gerrard will receive the trophy at an Football Writers' Association gala dinner in London on May 29.