Welcome back to Last Word On Football’s look at some of Liverpool’s most iconic figures. From players to managers, we look at who has an impact during their time at the club that no Liverpool fan will ever forget. Next up is one of the club’s greatest ever captains, Steven Gerrard.
Hailing from Whiston, Gerrard was a boyhood Liverpool fan who joined the Reds aged nine. It was the beginning of a career that saw him make an astounding 710 appearances while scoring 120 goals. He also won nearly every trophy and cemented himself in club folklore with some incredible performances in the most decisive moments.
Icons of Liverpool: Steven Gerrard
Promising Youngster – 1998 to 2004
After coming through the ranks at Liverpool, Gerrard made his Premier League debut in November 1998 as a last-minute substitute against Blackburn Rovers.
He started to make an impact in the 1999/00 season when he had the first setback of his professional career. Starting on the bench against local rivals Everton, Gerrard made his appearance in the second half. However, it was to spell disaster. The midfielder was sent off for a horror challenge on striker Kevin Campbell. Even worse was the fact that the Toffees pulled off a 1-0 win at Anfield. They have yet to repeat this feat in the 21st century.
This incident also showed another side of Gerrard’s game. While the youngster was raw and full of energy, he tended to over commit himself and get sent off. This characteristic was never fully eradicated.
But it was the 2000/01 season when Gerrard really started to come into his own. The midfielder was a key part in Liverpool securing a treble as they won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup – where Gerrard scored. His play also earned him England’s Young Player of the Year award.
His continued service to Liverpool also earned him the captaincy in 2003, taking over from popular defender Sami Hyypia.
But, the best was yet to come.
Coming Into His Own
The 2004/05 season is arguably Gerrard’s greatest year.
Coming into the season with new manager Rafael Benitez, the Reds were expected to challenge for trophies and they did so in the most unorthodox of ways.
It all started in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The Reds had struggled in the early games and needed to beat Olympiacos by two clear goals in their final group game in order to proceed.
Steven Gerrard was determined that the Reds Champions League journey continue.
“I don’t want to wake up tomorrow in the UEFA Cup,” said the now-39-year-old on the eve of the game.
However, it seemed as the Reds would indeed be doing just that. Olympiacos went 1-0 up and the men from Merseyside needed three goals. Suddenly, they sprung into life during the second half and got two through Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama Pongolle.
But Liverpool still needed one more and with time winding down Gerrard delivered.
The ball dropped to him and he struck a ferocious shot that nearly burst the Anfield net.
Liverpool were going to the next round and it didn’t stop there. After some memorable wins in the later rounds, which included a “ghost goal” in the semi-final against Chelsea that Jose Mourinho still complains about, the Reds were going to the final.
The Final
There they met AC Milan, who had some incredible talent on display. This included players such as Brazilian Kaka and Italian Andrea Pirlo. Their class certainly told. They blew Liverpool away in the first half and were 3-0 up as the whistle blew.
It was there that Gerrard made his name. Coming out from half-time, the captain scored the first goal which started the most unlikely comeback. The Reds then unbelievably went on to equalise and won the game on penalties.
Gerrard than lifted the trophy in front of thousands of jubilant fans who no doubt celebrated long into the night.
Heartbreak and The FA Cup
After winning the Champions League, Gerrard was well on his way to becoming a club legend. However, fans were devastated to hear that the captain was considering a move to Chelsea. It seemed that he had betrayed everyone involved with the club and even his shirt was burned.
Eventually, Gerrard decided to stay, signing a new contract. Heading into 2006, he had to prove his commitment to Anfield.
He did just that in the 2006 FA Cup final. Liverpool were 3-2 down to West Ham United and time had nearly expired. Then the ball dropped to Steven Gerrard who was 30 yards out. He barely took a touch before slamming the ball into the back of the net.
Liverpool would end up winning on penalties and the game is forever known as the “Gerrard final.”
The midfielder was named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year at season’s end.
The following seasons, Gerrard was brilliant, but Liverpool always seemed to come up short. First, AC Milan got their revenge and beat Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League Final. Then, he forged a brilliant partnership with Fernando Torres and came just short of winning the 2008/09 Premier League season.
Some dry years followed due mainly to terrible ownership and management before manager Brendan Rogers joined the team. His arrival seemed to signal the beginning of a new chapter for Liverpool. Would he be the man to finally help Gerrard win his first Premier League title?
The Slip
In the 2013/14 season, Liverpool were brilliant. Led by the maverick Luis Suarez, they won game after game and seemed to be within touching distance of the fabled Premier League.
All they had to do was draw against Chelsea.
Then tragedy struck. With half time nearing in that game, Gerrard received a relatively straight forward pass, but he couldn’t keep his footing. Demba Ba intercepted the ball and slid it into the net. The Reds were then unable to penetrate Chelsea’s stubborn defence and lost the game.
This was all Manchester City needed and the Citizens won out the season to ensure Gerrard didn’t win the Premier League.
While he may have slipped, Gerrard was brilliant that season, providing 14 assists and scoring 13 goals.
But that was it for him at Liverpool. Gerrard left in 2015 and joined MLS side LA Galaxy. His time in America was uneventful and he has since gone into management. After a run with Liverpool’s reserves, he joined Scottish club Rangers.
Many have tipped him to be Liverpool’s next manager when Jurgen Klopp leaves.
One of a Kind
While many players have served Liverpool, there is only one Steven Gerrard. He is the definition of a man dedicated to Anfield. Gerrard won so much with Liverpool, but he was more than just that.
He dragged Liverpool to places that never had a right to be in and he remained loyal to the club through thick and thin.
There will never be another Steven Gerrard.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
