Steven Gerrard endured a tough time at Anfield last season. The Liverpool skipper, along with many others, would’ve thought that the Reds would again be challenging for the Premier League title, as they had done in 2008/09. But Gerrard and his beloved side suffered a terrible campaign, finishing seventh and sacking manager Rafa Benitez as a result.
Liverpool’s failure was blamed on, amongst other things, injuries and lack of squad depth, but one of the most cited reasons was poor player performance, and Gerrard was one of those most criticised for his sub-par displays. He managed only three goals from open play in the first half of the season, and whilst he hasn’t always been a prolific scorer, he had become one of Liverpool’s main goal threats under Benitez, scoring 16 in 31 games in 08/09.
His influence as captain also seemed to be missing at times. Gerrard had built a reputation as a big game performer under Benitez: Olympiakos in 2004, AC Milan in 2005, West Ham in 2006; the list goes on. But in what unwittingly became the club’s biggest game last season, the second leg of the Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, Gerrard was largely anonymous as the club bowed out after extra time.
However, as many in football will tell you, ‘form is temporary; class is permanent,’ and there is no doubt that Gerrard is still a quality player. He has shown glimpses of this during England’s World Cup campaign, with a brilliant first touch to create space against USA, before a composed finish to give his side the lead.
No England player really came out of the Algeria game with any credit, but against Slovenia, Gerrard was again one of England’s better performers. He linked up well with Wayne Rooney to create a chance for himself, before being denied by a good save, and he completed several impressive long passes.
Gerrard’s form for England is approaching the kind of quality we saw week in, week out a few years ago. Hopefully, he can carry this over to club form when he returns from international duty, as he is still vital to Liverpool’s hopes, and an in-form Gerrard is one of the best players in the world.
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I hope he will stay!
Yes, keep Gerrard at Liverpool because he is a good captain and can turn on the flair when needed.
He had a bad run last year but this has happened to many a player before him.
I think if Gerrard stays there is still a chance that Torress will stay. Liverpool needs three more quality players and then we are back in competition.Get rid of Ngog, Babbel and Lucas.
Sorry mate but Lucas is not a bad player and I am insensed that I have to keep reading poor remarks about him like some fans are want to do! Leave the young lad alone. he is getting better each year. Either support our youth or support some other team!
YNWA
It’s fans like Neil that ruin your clubs reputation,they abuse players who try,abuse youth players, they will protest at manager choice and all this from some guy who supports the team from his arm chair watching match of the day
Keep up the good work Neil 🙂
Gerrard is ALWAYS worth keeping. The man has the heart of a lion – and that heart beats for Liverpool. I hope he stays for his entire playing career and beyond: notwithstanding the doubters, I think Stevie has the potential to become a great manager one day, if only he wants to.
And Lucas is an important player for Liverpool too – a trier if there ever was one and with the technical ability to evolve into a fine attacking midfielder.