Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert says that criticism of captain Steven Gerrard is "shocking."
Gerrard's effectiveness as a defensive midfielder has been called into question repeatedly, with even Jamie Carragher -- a Reds teammate for 15 years -- stating that he struggles to make an impact in that role.
Retired England defender Carragher, now a television pundit, has suggested that the 34-year-old should be moved further forward -- but many fans have asked whether he should be dropped altogether.
The Reds' season is in danger of falling apart after a run of four successive defeats, with the club languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
They are under pressure to secure a win over Ludogorets in the Champions League on Wednesday as they battle to avoid group-stage elimination.
But Lambert said that Gerrard should not be held to blame for the club's difficulties on the pitch.
The striker said: "I find criticism of Steven shocking to be honest after what he's done for club. I just don't understand it. If he has a bad game, it's up to others to stand up."
Gerrard is out of contract at the end of this season, and said in an interview with the Daily Telegraph on Oct. 31 that he would continue his playing career elsewhere if Liverpool did not offer him a new deal.
The club have since opened contract talks with Struan Marshall, the former England captain's representative.