Should Liverpool finally cash in on Steven Gerrard?
As has become customary with the close season approaching Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard has been linked with a move away from the club and debate has raged as to whether now would be the right time to cash in on Anfield’s cult hero. While previous Summers have raised little doubt in the minds of the Kop faithful and a definitive “no” to whether he should move on, some believe now would be the right time for both player and club to part ways.
Liverpool are certainly going through a transitional period with new ownership and structures behind the scenes and the probable long term appointment of Kenny Dalglish as manager after the ill-fated short reign of Roy Hodgson. In past years Gerrard has been very much the type of player a side could be built around. In fact he’s less a player you could build a side around as one you simply had to.
Rafa Benitez understood the England international’s tactical indiscipline and accommodated it building a side of functional rather than expansive footballers around him. Even the more creative and technically gifted players of that era – Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kujt – were sent out with strict instructions to hold the shape of the side in tact and allow Liverpool’s roaming match winner to do what he did best without fear of disrupting the structure of the team.
This was often a necessity under Benitez with Liverpool relying time and time again on Steven Gerrard or Fernando Torres to win games for them. Often more creative influences – Yossi Benayoun, Robbie Keane – fell by the wayside to accommodate Liverpool’s two biggest assets. The question at this point in Gerrard’s career is whether he is still that same player. One who could arrive on the ball anywhere in the final third, bursting into open spaces and tearing opposition defences apart. On the evidence of this season it seems the answer is no.
Most point to the replacement of Roy Hodgson with Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish when looking for reasons for Liverpool’s upturn in fortunes this season. A fact often overlooked is the removal through injury of Steven Gerrard from the side. Liverpool have been more productive without Gerrard this season than with him.
Liverpool have only lost 4 of the 15 league games Gerrard has not started in this season compared to 8 of the 20 with him in the first XI. Liverpool have averaged 0.4 points per game more when he has not started. That would yield an extra 15 points over the course of the season. Take a look at the Premier League table and see where Liverpool would be now with an extra 15 points. In the title race.
While the numbers don’t lie it’s impossible to discount the unquantifiable positives. The emergence of a talented group of younger players in the Liverpool ranks will need more experienced heads around them to blossom. You only have to look at the number of goals per game Liverpool conceded under Hodgson when Jamie Carragher – another player deemed to be past his best – started, 0.33 goals less per game when he was there to organise and lead those around him.
It is telling that two of the worst defeats of Hodgson’s reign – losses to Newcastle and Blackburn, both putting three past Liverpool – came with Carragher missing from the back four. Gerrard – like Carragher – can be hugely influential in the development of Liverpool Football Club over the next couple of years with or without the same energy and engine he once displayed so regularly if he is willing and able to adapt.
In Gerrard’s absence and with some ambitious transfer dealings in the January transfer window Liverpool have developed a number of talented match winners. Where once there was only Torres or Gerrard Liverpool now have players capable of pulling opposition defences apart.
Not just the big money signings in January – Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll – but the emergence of Raul Meirelles and Dirk Kujt as genuine goal threats as the season has progressed could not have been guaranteed in a side that contained Gerrard in that free role behind a lone striker. If Maxi Rodriguez can carry his form of recent weeks into next season then where exactly does Steven Gerrard fit into this vibrant attacking lineup?
It may well be the case that the Steven Gerrard of years gone by simply doesn’t fit at all, thankfully though he won‘t have to. A deeper role holding a position in the middle of the pitch could allow Gerrard to dominate games while allowing those ahead of him to go and play. It seems the natural progression for an injury prone player who came into the first team at a young age and won’t have the legs to keep on running forever.
For Gerrard to continue to drive Liverpool’s success he could just need to go through a transitional period himself as the club does the same. It worked for Paul Scholes who continues to be one of Manchester United’s most consistent performers sitting deeper and orchestrating United‘s passing. Moving into a similar role alongside the ever improving Lucas, creating a partnership that dictates play and provides the platform for those ahead of them to play freely could be where Gerrard’s Anfield future lies.
Would anyone really pay big money for a player who would be 31-years-old by the time next season starts and who is rarely fit for a full season? Would the likes of Real Madrid or Inter Milan look to pay £20m to finally prise Liverpool’s captain away? Despite the paper talk it seems unlikely. Provided Liverpool Football Club and the player himself are able to embrace the natural change to both their games, keeping Gerrard this Summer could prove to be the driving force behind Anfield success for seasons to come.
Gerrard is part of the club now why should he go?If he was going to leave he would of left seasons ago!!! G SHOULD STAY PUT
u know i dint even need to read the whole article i just saw the headline and made up my mind that whoever has writen this has got to be a mental case. U idiot gerrard has carried liverpool for so many years he is the backbone of our club if he breaks our club will but y it dint happen this time was cause of dalglish and spending 50 million in the summer. our players were clearly happy after torres was sold and gerrard getting injured all stepped up and anyways he is still one of or perhaps the best mid no i say he is the best mid fielder in the world i have no doubt he can defend when he has to and attack when its needed so u nut case i have nothing against u but listen when ur both ears open GERRARD CANNOT BE SOLD GOT IT
you ahundred percent stupid u are afool you dont understand at all do u no whay man u is winning tima and again its c oz they match winners they verterans so if u say gerrard shoud go you very stupid
bold article,i dont stevie will go ever ,he had his worst season and he ll be back next season fully fit to challenge for the title
Did not bother to read your blog,
THE ANSWER IS NO, NO WAY
YNWA
‘The Boot Room’ Stevie will end up bein Carra’s Assistant once Kenny bows out. This is already the plan an people close to them know it. Carra’s already gettin plaudits for his badge skills, an Stevie’s already said Carra is more likely to offer him a position if he does management. Good times again an YNWA.
stevies been missing for 18 months, hes been carrying that injury and a rest has been over due cant wait to have our captain back in peak condition next season he will be awesome captain marvel.
NOT A CHANCE!!! Ridiculous blog.
Stevie G is a club legend and stuck by us when we needed him and loyalty goes both ways.
Just because we’ve finally learnt to win without him doesn’t mean we don’t need him.
YNWA!!!
Who the hell is ‘Dirk Kujt’?!
gerrard will never leave
NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!
“Even the more creative and technically gifted players of that era – Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kujt ” what are you talking about Kuyt is neither creative or technically gifted, he’s a hard worker who gives his all
Again didn’t read your whole article as have heard this tripe before.
One – Cash in on a 30+ year old? How much do you think we can get. Well we could try sell him to Chelsea ala Shevchenko they love to buy old past it players as well..
Two – Who sells their captain especially someone so full of quality as Stevey G.
Three – Do you actually support Liverpool or have you dug this article out of the bargain basement bin.
What a ridiculous blog!!!!
Why would gerrard leave now he’s waited and worked so hard to see the club he adores win the league, and he deserves nothing less, fantastic player for the club, the term ‘cash in’ Is an insult!
read the article, its actually very interesting. In fact he should retire from england duty, where have his recent injuries stemed from? Internationals. Decent read and interesting stats on it
Off course he have to stay. Remember how good he is. If Gerrard had been fit we could probably add a goal or two against Birm and Castle. Gerrard is vital for LFC, and we need him next season. Remember stats are like a mini skirt, nice but hides the most important!
@ IMNOTLOUISVANGAAL
Your either a cobblestone pidgeon eating dirty smelly manc pissed off so much that you lost today against arsenal , or your just a really stupid journalist writing your first article in the world of sport . Go and find another job… Preferably in a retarded mental institution were you could write a weekly news read for the patience !
pls dont write this kind of article…
he’s not going anywhere..even u knew it already…
the future is bright for lfc since KD came in
Absolutely agree with almost all of you. As the article states, I don’t think Gerrard should, nor do I think he will, leave this Summer. Good for both player and club if he stays.
As for Dirk Kuijt, anyone who had seen him play in his Feyenoord days, or who has been watching him since Rafa left and Kenny gave him more of a free reign would know what a technically gifted and creative force he really is. He was turned into, through necessity, a hard working, functional, right sided midfielder under Rafa thus emphasising the point. Liverpool could not afford to let other players run free because they were accommodating the freedom of their most gifted player, Gerrard.
For the record as someone asked I’m not a Liverpool fan, but I do genuinely believe he’s a huge part of the club evolving over the next few years as stated in the article above.
Unfortunate that half the people commenting above feel the need to abuse the author for asking a genuine question, then state that they didn’t even bother to read the article. Pathetic…
what a load of crap gerrard is going no place,with more players stepping up this season it will take pressure of gerrard to carry the team,i see 3-4 more seasons in gerrard
A brilliant article with many truths to it. I think that It is time we built the team around other players like Luis Suarez and let Gerrard adapt by playing him in central midfield with Lucas. Brilliant article well done for looking at the situation objectively.
Gerard supported us through thick and thin, we will support him through thick and thin…. You will never walk alone mean exactly that. Poor article at best….
Watched Enrique of Newcastle, good player, confident, willing, can defend and support attack – would be ideal for Liverpool….
As for the writer quit, your crap…..
We love u STEVEN GERRARD. U are better than the best
Gerrad has been loyal to LFC.We also must be loyal to him.Gerrad is the best midfielder of this generation.He remains one of the best…till date
FFS I can’t believe the words used in the title! Cash-in and Gerrard
should never be mentioned in the same sentence, show the guy some
respect. He’s livepool through and through just watch him celebrate
from the stands FFS
YNWA
I’m sorry this is stupid stupid article…form is temporary, class is forever and He will be with LFC for the next few years..One good example Ryan Giggs with MU, still a class player for them…i’m sorry again if you don’t know much about football or players ability, please don’t irritate others with your stupid article..just keep it to yourself…
this is nonsense.. u have no idea what u r writing abt
Beware. Just because Jay and Lucas are putting up decent performances does not mean Stevie has become redundant. The man has carried Liverpool FC and England on his shoulders for years and years. He’s got what others haven’t… experience and proven match-winning skills.
Anyways this question will start and end on this very page. Just ask Kenny what he thinks of Stevie and u’ll get ur answer.
LIVERPOOL WAS STEVIE G….. and now STEVIE G, fully fit and raring to go will be the CAPTAIN FANTASTIC OF LFC’s best year coming ahead….. BEWARE !!! I think only few selected players Maldini(AC MIlan), Totti(Roma), Del Peiro(Juv) etc.. would come close to him.. But GERRARD IS THE BEST !!!!
You must be out of your mind to suggest that. Just because club is doing good in his absence, you are ready to cash in. Gerrard is loyal servant of LFC and if he wanted, he could have gone to Chelski few season back. He showed is loyalty so now its club duty to show him the same care.
He has not been doing good lately but that could be due to groin injury he had. Now that operation is done and he had a good rest until the next season, we might better old Gerrard back. I am sure you won’t suggest to sell him then.
he stood by us when we needed him most, when almost all our stars ran off to other clubs cos of cash(alonso, mascharano,torres,arbeloa) what a loyal captain fantastic. Do u need someone to tell u that even if liverpool would drift to reglegation, that gerrard would still be by our side?, he has truly made liverpool not to walk alone, so he cant also walk alone. We love him even in his worst form, we still love him
No way Gerrard is the man.Sell Maxi
you r on drugs m8 gerrard is mr liverpool we dont want to sell our best players & gerrard is one of them y.n.w.a.
NO gerrard is class and will never leave that’s what we need local lads who will die for the shirt we don’t want to get rid of them for some international who want be half as committed to the club as gerrard
Who says he want to leave? I think he just as many of us believes that we can turn out to be genuine title contenders very soon. To leave now, this late, to get a few years with some club that might start him on the bench is just folly. I think he recognizes that.
Its seems that most of you that have posted here need to go back to school and learn how to read. It looks as though you all switched off after the first paragraph, and either weren’t able, or do not have the attention span to read the whole article. The author was simply giving us the what if’s, and went on to state that it would be beneficial for Liverpool that he stays.
He has some very valid points, and I, like any Liverpool fan would never want Gerrard to leave, but any of you that have an iq of more than single digits can see that he has been struggling of late. The author raises a valid argument that he needs to lie deeper and control the game, as his youthful exuberence that we have seen destroy teams in the past is slowly withering.
I think next year we will see a different kind of Gerrard, he wont be a major feature that he has been in the past, but more of our backbone to which our play will begin.
Either way, Gerrard has been and will always be one of the greatest players our club has ever seen, and regardless of whether or not he does stay next year, i for one will still wear his shirt with pride.
YNWA
‘keeping Gerrard this Summer could prove to be the driving force behind Anfield success for seasons to come.’
i don’t know why so many people are not liking the article, he’s came to the right conclusion..
Personally I think that selling him would be a good move because whenever I watch Liverpool I think the focus too much of their attacking play playing through Gerrard. However, I don’t think he will leave because him and Carragher are the spine to the Liverpool team and have been for as long as I can remember
I didnt even read past the first paragraph, what a waste of an article. People like you really annoy me, get a grip will yer lad, Stevie is Liverpool F.C. They can’t live without eachother! Stop writing S***e kid!
also if gerrard can get 8 goals and plenty of assist under spastic hodgson he will get at least double of both under dalglish not to mention when liverpool actualy get awesome wingers and a awesome left back
Hahaha! Mate, you’ve lost your marbles! Gerrard is the first to say that he’s been in a bad form. He’s sat out on injuries twice and he’s been carrying them since the start of the season. That groin of his has been problematic. Anybody and everybody has this to say about Gerrard – any team in the world is better off with him then without him. Heard this from so many past and present greats from all over the world. The man’s skills, work-rate and inspirational captaincy is second to none. He’s a leader of men. Too bad he hasn’t had the time to actually train with this particular squad under Kenny and Steve Clark. If he’s fit for pre-season this summer, his next season’s gonna be killer! Just you watch! Idiots like you would jump to conclusions with the aid of statistics. To hell with numbers! In any case, numbers make sense if they’re consistent over the years, not just the last few months. There’s tons of other parameters at play too. Good luck being a pseudo-journalist, and good luck with life!
redforever is bang on gerrard never left us when we needed him and we shouldnt leave him besides with rest gerrard will be back to his best ireally think we ll challenge for the title next year ynwa
Do you have a mental case.Even if gerrard is having the worst game ever I would never sell him he is a legend. YNWA
Liam, it’s because most of the morons didn’t read the article.
He’ll follow the likes of Lothar Matthaus. Moving into a more defensive role and maybe into the defense itself….the position Gerrard took up in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final as I remember.
You have certainly raised some interesting points. But just crunching through stats does not show the real picture. Agreed, an injured Stevie may not be the best option on the pitch but if we can allow him to fully recover then there is no man better to have on the pitch.
Even when injured, he is there in the background ans inspiring players and when he comes on the team is lifted to new levels.
You hit the nail on the head with Scholes. As he starts to lose pace, he can step back more and I can’t think of any better prospect for a future holding midfielder than Stevie G.
I’m a Liverpool fan and I totally agree with this article, he doesn’t say that we should sell Gerrard, but that he should become a deep lying playmaker, rather than the box to box midfielder that he used to be. That’s correct, Stevie G’s legs are going now, and I reckon he could be another Scholes, who used to be an attacking midfielder, remember.
Just imagine how good a team we’d have if we had Lucas as a ball winner, Gerrard as a playmaker, Kuyt on the right and a quality left winger (we need to buy one in the summer) with Suarez playing just off Carroll. That’s what we want
One one Loyalty
Gerrad has stuck with Liverpool through thick and thin even vultures like Madrid and Chelsea were hovering over seeking his signature and I believe that despite not winning the premier league over the last 20 years, the other trophies we won during this period were mainly down to his influence. Remember Istanbul 2005. I believe he deserves to finish his career with Liverpool because even if he hasn’t won the premier league with Liverpool, he has become a Liverpool legend because of his dedication and loyalty to Liverpool
Gerrard contributes (and certainly will once his playing days are over) more to LFC than anyone else on the team (Sorry JC!). Dalglish would start playing rugby before he lets SG go.
Good article, title seems a bit of an attention grabber and not really the main focus of the article.
Looking forward to seeing Gerrard running liverpools midfield for years to come.
YNWA
‘Liverpool have only lost 4 of the 15 league games Gerrard has not started in this season compared to 8 of the 20 with him in the first XI. Liverpool have averaged 0.4 points per game more when he has not started. That would yield an extra 15 points over the course of the season. Take a look at the Premier League table and see where Liverpool would be now with an extra 15 points. In the title race.’
This is statistical manipulation at its worst. If Liverpool averaged 0.4 points per game more when he has not started, you can only add those 0.4 points to the 20 games with him in the first XI – adding up to 8 points, and putting them 4th with a Champions League place.
Less of the meaningless number crunching please.
Don’t be stupid. The man is as big as Kenny was in the 80s and will stay at the club in some capacity for at least the next 10 years. He’s Liverpool through and through. If he wanted to leave he’d have gone already. Also, his desire to win the premier league.. why would he want to do it anywhere else? What would he achieve from that? h
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Opinionated soccer junkie whose guilty pleasures include - but are not limited to - Sam Allardyce, Tottenham Hotspur, the SPL, Napoli, the Eredivisie, the Bundesliga, 4-2-3-1, the EPL, Johan Cruyff and old versions of Football Manager.
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