Christian Eriksen? Julian Draxler? These are not the type of players Liverpool needs to replace their talismanic captain with.
Steven Gerrard announced he will be playing his days out in the United States as part of LA Galaxy. The MLS side announced an 18-month contract for the former English captain earlier this month.
Already, Liverpool fans around the globe have been tipping various players to replace the legendary player. He may have been number eight on the field, but he’s definitely number one in every Liverpool fans’ heart, and everyone has tried to find solace in the thoughts of a possible replacement.
Popular opinion has been promoted by many fans; mostly asking for the likes of Eriksen, or similar attacking midfielders, to replace Gerrard. There are so many aspects wrong with opinions such as this.
Having Eriksen would make sense if you want to have five attacking midfielders who never track back, something the players at Tottenham already know about.
Steven Gerrard is needed due to his ability to distribute the ball effectively. The prime reason the 34-year old midfielder still has a regular position in the line-up is due to this skill. Gerrard was required to play the holding-midfield role this season, but after it was made clear that he did not have the pace for that position, he was moved further forward to play closer to the striker. Yes, an Eriksen type player would be quite the distributer on this team. However, this player will offer nothing defensive and would sit forward as a #10 most of the match. Liverpool does not need another #10. Why?
Once Daniel Sturridge is back in the line up, Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini, and eventually Divock Origi, will all likely battle to play alongside him. This will automatically move either Raheem Sterling or Philippe Coutinho back to the #10 role. With Sterling and Coutinho both being absolutely sensational this season, an addition like Eriksen or Draxler would simply be redundant. It would be ridiculous to have to slot in three players of the same style, with no defensive presence in either of them.
What Liverpool will need after Gerrard leaves, is a quality holding midfielder. With questions surrounding the future of Lucas Leiva, Liverpool’s current holding midfielder, there are issues regarding lack of depth at that position, and the possible lack of command and experience in the middle of the park. Even if Lucas doesn’t leave, Liverpool still lacks a good distributor from deep in midfield. A player with the talent of Sami Khedira or Miralem Pjanic would fit that role.
Oh heck, just sign anyone other than Fabian Delph. Anytime you are linked with an Aston Villa player, just live in denial and hope its just a rumour.
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