Steven Gerrard – Captain. Leader. Legend.

However, a disappointing 2009-10 season followed as Liverpool managed to finish only 7th in the league. An injury to Rio Ferdinand meant that Gerrard led the English national team in the 2010 World Cup, where the team exited in the round of 16.

Liverpool saw changes in managers in quick succession after the departure of Rafa Benitez as Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish came and left (Dalglish brought a brief ray of hope when he led Liverpool to League Cup success in 2012), and now Brendan Rodgers is at the helm since 2012.

On August 9, 2012, Gerrard scored his 150th career goal for Liverpool in a 3-0 victory over FC Gomel at Anfield in the Europa League. This goal also gave Gerrard the distinction of being only the third Liverpool player after Ronnie Whelan and Billy Liddell to have scored in 14 consecutive seasons.

Gerrard has been named as England’s permanent captain by England boss Hodgson, and not surprisingly, he has impressed in the role.

Liverpool announced on July 15, 2013 that Gerrard had signed a contract extension committing his future to the Reds, and the player has often been quoted that he wants to end his career at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard has evolved as a player over the years, having played at a number of positions in the team. Having started his Liverpool career at Right Back, then moving to the Central Midfield, and also having played on the flanks, he can truly be called a complete footballer.

With age now catching up to him, we can look forward to Gerrard playing in a slightly deeper role alongside Lucas (in the position that Xabi Alonso had made his own at Liverpool). With his experience, vision and range of passing, Gerrard can certainly control the tempo of the game and contribute to the team’s cause.

Widely respected by his teammates, opponents and experts, Steven Gerrard continues to enthral us in the way he does best – by playing inspired and brilliant football.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is full of respect and admiration of Gerrard, saying “Whenever you play Liverpool you know you have to get him out of the game. If not, it’s all over for you. He’s a midfielder and if you look at all the important goals he’s scored, well I can’t even think of a striker in the world who has scored as many important goals, never mind a midfielder. How many times has he done it in the dying seconds of a game? I am trying to think of a striker now who does it – there aren’t any. Think about it. For me, and I have always said this, he will be regarded as one of the greatest midfielders ever when he finishes his career. No doubt.”

The Anfield faithful love their home-grown skipper and show their affection for Gerrard in the song dedicated to him:

“Steven Gerrard is our CaptainSteven Gerrard is a redSteven Gerrard plays for LiverpoolA Scouser born and bred…”