Euro 2012 player review: Steven Gerrard

KIEV, UKRAINE: Steven Gerrard of England consoles Ashley Young

Before the European Championships for 2012 started, there were doubts in the British media as to whether Roy Hodgson was right in picking Steven Gerrard as his captain.

As England’s campaign meandered to an end in an all too similar fashion – a penalty shootout – one man can hold his head up higher than the rest, though he was the one who was doubted the most.

Gerrard often played much deeper than his preferred role behind the striker. Often, he even sat back more than Scott Parker, who was supposed to be the one to see more to the defensive duties. This wasn’t the typical Gerrard that we saw. It was a Gerrard who was more responsible in seeing out his defensive duties, it was a Gerrard without those lung-bursting forward runs, and it was a Gerrard who threw himself around for tackles. Also, there was the Gerrard that we all know. Putting teasing crosses into the box, his set-piece deliveries being absolutely perfect for most of the tournament.

We’ve come to expect strong leadership from Gerrard, and that is exactly what England got. He was absolutely inspirational, leading from the front.

What does the future hold for a man considered by many, like myself, as god? If Brendan Rodgers puts up a Liverpool system that plays Gerrard in a similar role as the one he played for England, there is a huge chance that he will have the same impact with Liverpool as well. Longevity is something Liverpool would want from their talisman, and this new role could be just what he wanted to prolong his career for a couple of years more.

Steven Gerrards performance at the European Championships bodes well for the future of Liverpool Football Club.