Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have been almost permanent fixtures in the starting line-up for over a decade now, and have clocked up an incredible 1242 appearances between them. The captain and vice-captain have been key players for many years, and as local lads are big favourites among the fans.
However, both players are approaching the end of their careers. Gerrard is now 31, while Carragher turns 34 next month. As much as Liverpool supporters love them, they are all aware that they won’t be around forever, and will one day have to be replaced. Given the recent comments of Kenny Dalglish, that may be coming sooner rather than later.
In an article published by the Daily Mail, Dalglish admitted that a stronger side with both players in the starting line-up, but also spoke of how the side were coping just fine without them for the time being. However, Carragher has not started a league game since October, despite being fit and available for the last five fixtures.
Gerrard is more likely to return to the first team upon recovering from his latest injury setback, but the worry is that his injury problems may persist. He has only played 13 games in all competitions during 2011, and has suffered from three lengthy injuries. His age means he has had to adapt his game as he can no longer be the marauding force he once was.
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Were Liverpool struggling, it may be the case that both would be straight back in the team. However, the Reds have been in fine form throughout 2011, and during each player’s absence the team has not looked as though they have been missing either.
Fans have spoken in the past of managers’ reluctance to drop either of the two for fear of incurring the wrath of the Anfield faithful. However, Dalglish is unlikely to ever suffer from this criticism due to his standing at the club, and has explained how difficult it has been to make the choice to leave Carragher out of the side.
It is clear that Liverpool are heading in a new direction. New, younger players are being brought in as part of the club’s long term ambitions, and the likes of Martin Kelly, Sebastian Coates and Danny Wilson will all aspire to one day becoming regulars in the centre of the Reds defence.
Gerrard and Carragher clearly still have a role to play at the club, but they may no longer be the essential first team starters they once were. The club have shown they can cope without them, which is encouraging, but even more so is to still have both players ready to step in when required.
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I beg to differ in the case of Gerrard, i feel that we miss that driving force from midfield that he delivers to us, and that moment of clutch finishing we have so desperately needed
Wake up!
Gerrard is old and his body is failing him. His tacticality is poorer than the average spainish player, so i dont expect much from him as he becomes slower, beginning now!
Tacticality, is that even a word? What Gerrard brings to the team is determination, creativity, and confidence, characteristics that Adam was just starting to show before we lost Lucas. I hope Gerrard is fit soon enough to boost the team in the upcoming Suarez sanction window.