#9 Steven Gerrard – Liverpool (1998-2015)
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Steven Gerrard made his Liverpool first-team debut two seasons after Jamie Carragher. After failing to contribute in his first season, he improved his performances exponentially as he regularly started to pair Jamie Redknapp in midfield.
After being a part of Liverpool’s highly successful 2000-01 season, the then manager Gerard Houllier saw the leadership qualities in Gerrard and made him the club captain in 2003.
Gerrard’s stature among the fans exceeded limits when he turned down an offer from Chelsea in 2004. Jose Mourinho openly expressed his desire to have the talismanic midfielder play under him.
Gerrard led Liverpool to a miracle at Istanbul, as they converted a 0-3 deficit at half time to 3-3 within a span of 6 minutes. The match later went on to penalties and Liverpool won the 2005 Champions League. Gerrard was the key player as he scored the first goal and was fouled inside the 18-yard area for a penalty that led to the equaliser.
Following the Champions League success, Gerrard turned down another lucrative offer from Chelsea etching his loyalty to Liverpool. He stood with the team during the hard times and tasted his share of success as well. He won 9 trophies that include two FA Cups, three Football League Cups, one FA Community Shield and one Champions League title.
He eventually moved to LA Galaxy after he ran out of contract in 2015.
