His most recent match, in which he managed a hat-trick against Napoli in just one half, has shut up any critics saying that the Red’s captain is getting too old to compete at the highest level of football.
Steven Gerrard has constantly been at the centre of a number of Liverpool comebacks (most notably the Champions League Final), inspiring his team to win virtually every prize in Europe, although the English midfielder has yet to capture the Premier League title.
He has captained his team to countless victories, but what will we do when Gerrard isn’t there to save us time and time again?
It seemed that the home-town hero would never leave the club, where his name is considered legendary and the record books are full of his achievements, but after a 7th placed finish last year and an unfortunate start to this year’s season, everyone is wondering where the 30 year old will go next.
It is rumoured that Gerrard is wanted in Spain, Italy, and Germany by the continent’s top clubs, with managers waiting to shell out big figures for Liverpool’s prized player, with Carlo Ancelotti being the latest manager to make his interest in the player public.
“He’s one of the best players in the world. If you can manage the best players, it’s easier to win. I don’t know him as a person. I think he’s a good man. But the reason I would like to manage him is because I’ve managed a lot of fantastic players, and he’s one of the best players.”
Pepe Reina, Liverpool’s star keeper, has always shown his admiration for Gerrard, and when asked about his opinion on the rumours, his thoughts on Stevie leaving were clear. “He (Gerrard) is part of the elite, among the ten best in the world because he is a very complete footballer. Let’s hope they don’t take him away, and that he stays with us the rest of his career.”
While Liverpool do have some players to partner Gerrard in the midfield, Poulsen and Lucas, the Reds certainly don’t have a replacement for him, and many believe that if he does leave, the team will most definitely fall apart.
Gerrard holds the team together well, and if he were to leave, this abnormal start to the season for the Reds might become a regular habit for them. I dont think there’s anyone quite like him in the world. He is Liverpool through and through, and the effect his departure would have on the club and it’s fans would beyond massive. Think of Rooney’s near departure from Manchester United, and multiply that by two. That’s what it would be like for Liverpool and the supporters.
Until Liverpool do find a centre-midfield player that is good enough to do what Steven Gerrard does (which is nigh, if not impossible), the team will have to do everything they can to hang on to their brilliant captain, and hope that money and the promise of trophies doesn’t pull him away.
About Danny
Always wanted to pose this question to liverpool fans: where do you think is Gerrard’s best position and what are his best attributes?