Steven George Gerrard (born 30 May 1980 in Whiston, Merseyside)
is an English football player with Liverpool F.C..
Gerrard is usually employed in a central midfield role. He is
the captain of Liverpool and the third-choice captain of the
English national team (after David Beckham and Michael Owen). He
wears the number 8 for Liverpool and number 4 for England. It is
widely thought that the club captaincy was handed to Gerrard so
that he could inspire his teammates, and to compel him to take
responsibility for his own indifferent disciplinary record,
which apparently worked as in the 2003-2004 season he was only
booked twice.
Gerrard was raised on the Bluebell estate in Huyton, Merseyside.
While attending Cardinal Heenan High School, Gerrard was known
to go on scouting trips to check out rival school teams. In 1994
whilst in Year 9, Steven was part of the Liverpool Boys squad
and "almost" made it into England National School, a small
blemish on his now successful career.
Gerrard was one of three Liverpool players that scored in the
famous World Cup qualifying game in September 2001 against
Germany (1-5 away victory).
Although approached by Chelsea to sign for them during the
summer of 2004, he rejected them but instead chose to stay at
Liverpool. It is known that he was on the brink of signing for
Chelsea but was persuaded to stay because of his family and
friends. The arrival of new Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
also played a part in his decision.
A foot injury sustained against rivals Manchester United on 20
September 2004 ruled him out of first team football until late
November 2004.
On 8 December 2004, Gerrard scored a stunning 25-yard piledriver
against Greek team Olympiakos in the Champions League. Liverpool
needed to win by two clear goals to progress to the last 16 of
the competition. They were 1-0 down at half-time, but scored two
goals before Gerrard secured their place with their third. He
has since claimed that this was his best, if not his most
important, goal for Liverpool to date.
In the 2004-05 season, Gerrard scored 12 goals in all
competitions; a season's personal best for him.
Gerrard is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, player in
the current Liverpool squad. He has played for no other teams,
coming up through the ranks of Liverpool right up to the first
team. His talent was spotted by ex-manager Gerard Houllier when
he was invited into the Youth Academy to investigate another
player's talent. Houllier reportedly could not keep his eyes off
Gerrard however. When at the end, Houllier was asked if he
wanted the other player, he is reported to have said: "I'll take
Gerrard now, but I'll consider the other guy and give you a
verdict soon."
Despite loyalty for his hometown club and Liverpool reaching the
European Champions League Final, his future is widely speculated
about. Gerrard has repeatedly maintained that he would re-assess
his career and future after the final of May 25, 2005.
Steven Gerrard said he will stay at Anfield if he lifts the UEFA
Champions league with the reds this Wednesday.
Having successfully lifted the trophy by leading Liverpool back
from a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan 3-2 on penalties, his
decision remains to be known, and most Liverpool fans will be
hoping anxiously that he keeps to his word. |
