5 games that defined careers of modern day greats

#4 Steven Gerrard

Liverpool vs Olympiacos – UEFA Champions League (08/12/2004)

“Ohhhhhhhh ya beauty, what a hit son, what a hit!"

Steven Gerrard was already a revered figure at Anfield. The midfield general had established a reputation for himself with his ability to knock in goals and was a player who wore his heart on his sleeve from very early on in his Liverpool career.

Perhaps, the game that defined his career was his side’s final game in the UEFA Champions League group stages of the 2004-05 season. Liverpool needed to win the game against Olympiacos in order to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

However, a win alone would not suffice with the away goals coming into the equation and that is what precisely unfolded.

Brazilian Rivaldo scored in the 26th minute and Liverpool needed to score 3 goals to proceed. If there was one man who drove the Reds it was Gerrard as he constantly set up his teammates in advantageous situations on the pitch, only for them to come up short.

With just 5 minutes left on the clock and with the side still looking for their third of the night, Neil Mellor cushioned a header in the direction of his captain and the Anfield roof broke when Gerrard thumped it into the back of the net.

Having scored 3 goals Liverpool proceeded into the next round on the basis of their superior goal difference and rest, as they say is history. If Steven Gerrard did not find the back of the net that late in the game, Istanbul, one of the most beloved moments in the memories of Liverpool fans would not have happened.