#360view: Steven Gerrard's time is up at Anfield

Alam Khan - Reporter 11:00 03/01/2015
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  • One of the best: Steven Gerrard had a glittering career at Liverpool.

    Influential, iconic and irreplaceable. It is impossible to understate the bond between Steven Gerrard and Liverpool Football Club. “Mr Liverpool” is how Rickie Lambert described his captain and it sums up the standing of the man after Gerrard announced his intention to leave Anfield this summer.

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    He first arrived as an eight-year-old and will leave a legend after a rollercoaster 26 years.

    Gerrard lived the dream in playing for his hometown club and enjoyed the ultimate ride in trying to revive their fortunes.

    Of course, not winning the league title will be an indelible stain on his career, but he should have no regrets over his immense contributions to their cause. 

    Defeat was not in his dictionary.

    When Liverpool needed a miracle, he often delivered. Like the late goal against Olympiakos in 2004 that took them through to the Champions League last 16 and eventually lifting the trophy with that victory against AC Milan.

    Gerrard also scored in Istanbul to spark the comeback from 3-0 down. There was also the strike against West Ham to help them to FA Cup glory in 2006.

    He is one of the few who would claim a place in the all-conquering Liverpool side of the 1970s and 80s that ruled England and Europe.

    Given that he is probably just behind Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard as the Premier League’s best-ever midfielder, though, I don’t think he would surpass Kenny Dalglish or Ian Rush as Liverpool’s greatest player.

    But it’s close. Where that duo sparkled when surrounded by world-class stars, Gerrard stood out in sides that were not of the same calibre. He was extraordinary, an embodiment of footballing spirit, strength and skill.

    But his time at Anfield was up. Perhaps he never really recovered from the slip against Chelsea in April that saw Demba Ba score and Liverpool’s title bid suffer a decisive blow, or leading England to failure at the World Cup.

    The sad truth this season is that he did not dictate games as he once did, nor suit a system that should be fuelled by youthful energy and pace. At 34, his mind may have been willing, but the body was not.

    Sentiment does not guarantee success and Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Swansea should be an indication of the future. 

    Jordan Henderson cannot fill his boots, no one can, but he needs to be given the chance to grow and rise to the challenge.

    He led by example in that impressive win last Monday and perhaps there was a sense of reality, and inevitability, as Gerrard watched the fluent, fast-paced link-up play between Henderson, Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling from the bench.

    His decision to go is right, for him and the club. Liverpool should not expect him to be their saviour every time and others must step up.

    Gerrard’s options will be endless. MLS looks most likely with Los Angeles and New York probably most attractive from a footballing and family perspective.

    The Gulf could be another option, but what about Serie A where the pace is slower and Gerrard could enjoy one last hurrah?

    How one of the Milan clubs could do with someone to hold their midfield together and perhaps ignite them as a force again.

    For the next five months, though, Gerrard should enjoy the acclaim and adulation as he bows out of English football. 

    It will be well deserved.

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