(CNN)He might not have the Becks appeal -- but Steven Gerrard says he's ready to light up Hollywood in his own way.
While David Beckham brought about a revolution within Major League Soccer with his move to Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, Gerrard is aiming to leave his own mark after announcing himself on the U.S. stage.
Gerrard made his debut in the 2-1 victory over Mexican side Club America on Sunday, playing 45 minutes for his new side.
But if Galaxy fans are expecting Gerrard to be the new Beckham then they're going to be disappointed -- according to the man himself.
"I'm not here to fill David Beckham's shoes -- they're too big for me to fill," Gerrard told CNN's Patrick Snell in Los Angeles.
"He's a worldwide icon -- I'm Steven Gerrard. I offer different things and hopefully I offer the same level of success."
Beckham's arrival in MLS was a seminal moment for the sport in the U.S., his $250 million five-year deal transforming the image of soccer in the country
His departure in 2012, which came after helping Galaxy win the league title, was followed by spells in Europe with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Gerrard, who has spent his entire career to date at Liverpool, where he won the European Champions League in 2005, is a vastly different character.
While both are renowned for possessing a magic right-foot, Gerrard does not come with the media circus which Beckham endured during his career.
Beckham and his wife Victoria, the former pop star and now successful fashion designer, lived in LA with their four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz. and Harper.
Their lives were played out in full glare of the media with paparazzi never far away.
Gerrard is unlikely to court the same amount of attention despite the fanfare surrounding his arrival at the StubHub Center.
The two men, who played together with England, spoke before Gerrard finalized his decision to move to California.
"He just said to me that the timing was right to come and have a new challenge and fresh start," Gerrard added.
"I think it's important that I come to a positive environment that's ready to win. I'm signing for the champions so the future is looking good."
Gerrard is the latest big name player to arrive in the U.S. with the likes of Kaka having joined Orlando City, David Villa, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo at New York City and homegrown hero Clint Dempsey at Seattle Sounders.
Soccer in the U.S. is riding on the crest of a wave with the women's national team having won the World Cup and the men's side enjoying victories over Germany and Netherlands.
And Gerrard says the combination of big name players and success on the international stage has boosted soccer's popularity
"The MLS is buzzing at the moment," Gerrard added,
"Both national teams, men and women, are doing exceptionally well. The league is growing and hopefully I can play in trying to give it even more attention.
"I'm sure you're going to see some big names coming to join this league in the future because it is exciting. It's buzzing."
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