Liverpool’s favorite son: Steven Gerrard

There is a famous saying that goes something like this:

“Adversity brings out the best in certain people”

And it surely does for one of the best midfielders England has ever produced: Steven Gerrard.

Steven Gerrard, born in Whiston, Meryside has been a ‘Red’ from his childhood days. He joined Liverpool’s youth academy and from there broke into the first team in the year 1998 in a league match against Blackburn Rovers. Although his natural position is in centre midfield, he has often been deployed as a right winger, holding mid fielder and a second striker. This shows his flexibility, work ethic and commitment towards his club to do the job needed.

In the initial few years at Anfield, Gerrard found it tough to settle in and establish himself as a regular due to frequent injuries and an indifferent form. It was post 2004 when he was made captain of the team and Rafa Benitez was appointed Liverpool’s manager that he showed his best form. Although Liverpool did not get chance to taste success in the domestic league, Gerrard made sure he made up in Europe and other domestic competitions.

Honors/Trophies	Years
UEFA Champions League	2005
FA Cup	2001,2006
League Cup	2003,2012
UEFA Cup	2001
UEFA Super Cup	2001,2005

However, it was that memorable night in Istanbul which stands out as a highlight, when Steven Gerrard inspired Liverpool to comeback from 3-0 down to eventually beat the Italian giants AC Milan in the Champions League final in 2005. The comeback started with Steven Gerrard heading in the first goal to bring back Liverpool FC into the match when it seemed like all over for the Mersysiders. Later in the match he also won a penalty which Xabi Alonso converted to bring Liverpool level at 3-3. The match went in to extra time where Gerrard was back helping the defense with his trademark tackles when the Italians pushed for a victory. Liverpool survived the late onslaught and went on to lift their 5^th UEFA Champions League trophy.

In the same season, Liverpool would have been knocked out in the group stages itself had it not been for the 25-yard screamer from Gerrard in the 86^th minute that helped Liverpool knock out Olympiakos. Liverpool was staring down at elimination and his heroics left the mersyside supporters in bliss.

He came to Liverpool’s rescue again in the 2006 FA Cup final where his 30 yards pile-driver rescued Liverpool who were trailing 3-2 down with only few minutes remaining in the match. He converted a penalty later in the match as Liverpool lifted the prestigious FA Cup trophy in 2006.

Liverpool wasted a glorious chance to win the (2008-2009) Premier league season as they finished a close 2^nd to Manchester United; even though they lost fewer matches than any other club that season. Gerrard and Torres combined excellently that season and they even beat Manchester United 4-1 at Old Trafford which, very few teams have done.

Apart from his club duties, he has been an excellent servant for the England national team where he is one of the few players to have completed 100 appearances for England. He made his international debut in 2000 and scored his first goal in the 2002 World Cup against Germany. Since then he has gone on to score 19 goals in 102 appearances for the “Three Lions”.

In the end, I would say that I am one of the few football fans who have been lucky enough to witness Gerrard play and captain his team. His leadership skills, loyalty towards Liverpool and never-say-die attitude are qualities we as people should imbibe and learn from. I hope he brings down his glittering career to an end with a Premier league title and an International medal to his name.

It is apt that I end this article with one of my favorite quotes said by the great man himself:

“When I die, don’t bring me to the hospital. Bring me to Anfield. I was born there and will die there” -Steven Gerrard