STEVEN GERRARD FOOTBALL STORY HOW TO

He was down to take the fifth spot-kick in the shootout but Jerzy Dudek’s heroics ensured he wasn’t required. Gerrard cajoled every last drop of energy out of his team-mates and even ended up at right-back in extra time to snuff out the threat of Serginho. He kick-started the most unlikely comeback in football history as his classy header helped wipe out AC Milan’s 3-0 lead in the space of six manic second-half minutes. When Benitez tried to summon a response from his team at half-time in Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium, it was his skipper who emerged from the shadows. Gerrard’s stunning last-gasp piledriver against Olympiakos in front of the Kop not only secured Liverpool’s passage to the knockout stages of the Champions League but put them on track for the greatest night of his career. He improved his tactical discipline and on the European stage he had no peers. Installed as captain by Houllier in 2003, it was under Rafa Benitez that he reached his peak and produced his most scintillating form.Ī determination to please the Spaniard drove him to greater heights. He was named PFA Young Player of the Year. His versatility made him a manager’s dream as he slotted in effortlessly at full-back, on the wing and in a defensive midfield position, despite being best suited to a rampaging central role.ĭuring the Treble-winning season of 2000/01 he shone brightly, netting in the dramatic UEFA Cup triumph over Alaves, having already helped secure both the League Cup and FA Cup. To work with a coach of his quality at such a young age certainly brought me on as a player.” “He helped me to remain focused on my football. He made sure I was eating the right food and I wasn’t going out to nightclubs. “He took a big interest in me on and off the pitch. “He was bit of a father figure to me,” Gerrard said.

STEVEN GERRARD FOOTBALL STORY HOW TO

Houllier nurtured his talent and taught him how to channel that desire and passion effectively. His first goal against Sheffield Wednesday a year later truly announced his arrival on the big stage as he burst into the penalty box and drilled home emphatically. “A couple of weeks before Gerard asked me and Stephen Wright to train with the first team for good and we moved to Melwood. “It all happened so quick,” Gerrard said. It was a journey which began when Gerard Houllier handed the Huyton teenager his debut as a late substitute against Blackburn Rovers in November 1998. Football is a team game, but special players do special things at special times, and that is Steven Gerrard.” Strong in the tackle, blessed with a blistering turn of pace, a wonderful creative force and a lethal finisher, he has the lot.įormer team-mate and close friend Jamie Carragher summed it up best when he said: “Stevie’s one strength is he has no weakness. Combative, dynamic and intelligent, he is the complete midfielder. In his prime Gerrard would have walked into any team in world football. Yet to Liverpool’s relief he has never been able to bring himself to cut that strong emotional bond that exists between him and the Kop.

He could have enjoyed much greater riches and secured more silverware elsewhere.

There have been numerous opportunities for him to walk away from Anfield.

For the past decade he has worn the armband, leading by example and bringing the best out of those around him. He’s a selfless individual for whom the team has always come first. In 630 appearances, the Reds’ talisman has plundered 159 goals. He remains the only player to have scored in the final of the European Cup, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup. Gerrard has always been the man for the big occasion.

Steven gerrard football story