Liverpool talisman relishing fight
Saturday saw the return of Liverpool’s influential talisman Steven Gerrard to starting XI action in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United, with the skipper scoring the Reds only goal. The game was his first full 90 minutes after returning from a persistent groin injury that had sidelined him since March.
After the game Gerrard admitted he enjoyed getting back playing after what he described as ‘a frustrating six months’ however also mentioned how he needed more game time to come fully up to speed.
He said, “That’s what I’ve got to do to push on and gain maximum fitness. I still need two or three 90s under my belt to get back to 100 per cent, but I am very pleased at how my groin held up and how my body felt for the first 90. Really pleased.”
Although his return will be seen as a boost to what has been a mixed start to the campaign for Dalglish’s men, there are still questions remaining over Gerrard’s contribution to the side in the coming years.
After a substantial rebuilding of the Liverpool side costing over £100 million over the summer and a radical change in both system and playing style, many struggle to see how Gerrard would fit back comfortably into a starting XI with such competition for places. Players such as Bellamy, Downing, Adam, Henderson and Lucas, are all vying for places in the midfield, with the later three all competing for Gerrard’s own position of central midfielder. With many of his fellow teammates having earned their place in the starting XI through good form, it seems Gerrard will have to work harder than ever to maintain his title of ‘Captain Fantastic’ and keep his place, a feat made even tougher by his continuing return to form and fitness.
Gerrard himself in fact drew attention to the increased strength in the Liverpool squad saying “If you look at our bench against United, we had Craig Bellamy, Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson – that goes to show how much stronger we’ve got over the last couple of years.”
With such competition and time against the 31 year old midfielder, many fans fear this season could be make or break for the captain who won both the Champions League and FA Cup almost single handedly for Liverpool 5 years ago, as well as completing his duty to the England national team 89 times.
Kenny Dalglish however still believes his captain has more to give saying “He is a really integral part of the club and will be for years to come. He is etched in the history of the club and will hopefully have a few more chapters to write yet.”
