Steven Gerrard: Captain courageous, Loyalty personified

Steven Gerrard: The epitome of loyalty

It was a cold and wintry November night in 1998 when a lad named Steven George Gerrard made his professional football debut for a team burdened with glorious purpose. At that time in the world, little did anyone know that they were witnessing history and that he would go on to become an epitome of allegiance. And little did anyone know that “Gerrard” would become Liverpool’s heart and soul.

I believe I say this with the consent of everyone in the football fraternity, even those who are remotely related, that if there’s anyone on this planet today who rightfully should, nay deserves to, win the Premier League title, it’s Steven Gerrard. And the only thing that led me to this bona fide conclusion is Gerrard’s undying dedication and the manner in which he passionately wears his heart on his sleeve.

When Liverpool edged Manchester City 3-2 last night to take a gigantic step towards their first League title since 1990, no other emotion in the 45,522 capacity Anfield stadium expressed the jubilation and exuberance better than that of Steven Gerrard’s. The tears that rolled down his cheeks signified his passion and certainly proved how much Liverpool and that elusive EPL title mean to the skipper.

Winning a Premier League title is no doubt a colossal achievement. But the reason that it would be extra special for Liverpool to win the title this season is that it, in addition to ending the Merseyside club’s 24-year long wait for exaltation, it would indeed be a fitting way of commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough tragedy where Gerrard’s 10-year old cousin was among the 96 who lost their lives.

The manner in which Steven Gerrard and Liverpool have been playing this season portrays a clear killer instinct and a rock-solid intent to lift the trophy. While Brendan Rodgers has transformed the Reds into a club that is brimming with counter-attacking confidence, Gerrard himself has been in the form of his life. His presence in midfield is indispensable, his passing has been immaculate and his aura is breathtaking.

And I speak for all Liverpool fans when I say that we always witness something really remarkable whenever we’re graced with the presence of Stevie G’s charismatic aura. The greatest example to prove that Gerrard’s indomitable spirit is unconquerable is the inspirational UEFA Champions League final against AC Milan in Istanbul when the Reds scored three goals in six minutes to turn around a 0-3 deficit.

Of course who can forget the stupendous goal that the Liverpool skipper scored earlier that season in the dying minutes of the Champions League Group Stage match against Olympiakos that propelled Liverpool into the knockout stages. Both instances corroborate just one plain and simple fact – when the world tells you that it can’t be done & all hope is lost, Steven Gerrard gives us a reason to dream and believe.

Ever since Gerrard became Liverpool captain in 2003, he has carried the club on his shoulders through the thick and thin of times. He has juggled the highs and lows that the Reds have faced with impeccable ease. And the fact that clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter Milan failed to deter his cherished loyalty speaks volumes of this legendary Anfield hero’s character, zeal and perseverance.

In his gleaming career, Steven Gerrard has lifted the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League Trophy as Liverpool skipper. But the ultimate prize that every club professional dreams about is the League title and it is something that has eluded him. However with Liverpool and Stevie G being forces to reckon with this season, the crowning eminence of the EPL title is just a matter of 360 minutes away.