Many people and Liverpudlians have seen the captaincy of Steven Gerrard in Liverpool over decade and nobody doubts about it. But how many recognise the evolution of his role within the red Merseyside team? I guess we all know a little bit jaggy about this.
This came along when we all saw Liverpool against Hull City on the first day of 2014 in Anfield and when the Liverpool awayed to Britannia Stadium. We all saw the new role of Steven Gerrard and everyone blamed Brendan Rodgers for his new role in defensive midfielder. Luckily, Liverpool won all matches.
For you to notice, Steven Gerrard has already played in several defferent position. Starting from the right back to the second striker as well. The first day when he entered the game (subtituting Veggard Heggem) he played as a right back. Of course in this position he lacked of his depth and his skill. It was Gerrard Houllier to ask Gerrard to do so. And Gerrard did well at that day. Houllier also played Gerrard as a defensive midfielder in narrow back four of Liverpool midfield. And a year after it, the Liverpool born player was played in the heart of midfield. In this position, Gerrard played very well.
On the reign of Rafael Benitez in medio 2005-2006, the Spaniard gaffer asked Gerrard to play on the right flank. I did remember when everyone critized Benitez. And wallaa.. he scored over 20 goals for the first time.
Then on the 2007, Steven Gerrard played a new role behind Fernando Torres as a second striker. The mid defensive role was taken by both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. And the result at the end of this season was they finished behind the champion, Manchester United. I think this was the best position of him in Liverpool.
On the last match against Aston Villa last night, the skipper once again was positioned by Rodgers as a deep lying midfielder; as Rodgers had stated about his ability to play in any position (not a goalkeeper). This time, the choice to set Gerrard in deep midfield was proved cost too much: Liverpool took only 1 point. And there will be a chance for Everton and Spurs to pass Liverpool within the table. Gerrard confessed that he'd preferred to play in his best position, in the heart of midfield, much more to attacking one. He also stated that he preferred to warm the bench than to play in deep midfield. Stevie played out of his best position I assume.
Brendan Rodgers perhaps feels that he is lacking of man to cover the DM side, not to mention the knee injury of Lucas Leiva is a big blow for Liverpool. BR needs some DMs in this January transfer window to provide defensive shield within LFC midfield, so that they could race for the title, or at least achieving their goal as stated on the first of the season: able to play in Europe, the Champions League.
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JaM
