From an international perspective, Gerrard has shown how to lead a team. Quietly confident, respectful at press conferences, playing down any hype.
Then there has been his performance on the pitch. Assured, patient, driven, dominating, creative. That other football lumninaries outside of the press see it (ie respected ex players) means he is doing the do.
Parker is not his ideal partner imo, but Parker has been putting lots of workrate, albeit not that efficient at times and that has allowed Gerrard to dictate and probe. Simply because he does not have to run around chasing every ball and making every tackle. If he had to do that, he'd be spent by now.
Gerrard's performances have been measured but his influence is growing. I've always said that the biggest mistake of England managers was to try and accommodate both Gerrard and Lampard. Gerrard's utility has been his downfall in the their eyes, hence why he has been asked to do a variety of roles. Simply because Lumpard doesn't have that versatility.
Can you imagine the French in Zidane's heyday, turning round and saying "Hey Zinedine, we got a problem at sweeper so can you play there cos you're such a good player?" Would they fuck!
Game plans are great and so are systems but some players need the freedom. That England and Liverpool have had exactly that type of player in Gerrard for the past 14 years is amazing. What's not so amazing is that England either didn't recognise it or didn't want to recognise it. Thank the Lord that successive LFC managers haven't made the same mistake.
I have watched the games in the pub so far and its been interesting to hear fans of other clubs not only applauding Gerrards worth to Liverpool but his apparent worth to England. The light has been switched. In the past I've heard him compared to Barnes by the backwater club twats, because they just think he should translate his Liverpool form to England. Its not as simple as that, you have to allow him to express himself.
One moan though. I wish he'd stop handing responsibility to the likes of Young and others for free kicks within shooting distance. How the fuck does Young get above him in the pecking order based on his performances and delivery so far? Come on Steven, this is your moment. It wont come again, go for the kill and write your name in international history for all the right reasons.
That said, if it fucks up with England, I am happy in the knowledge that this legend of a player has been ours and its been my privilege to watch him grow from that first game in 1998 as sinewy, crop-haired, teenager.
Steven Gerrard is a Liverpool legend and he doesn't need to prove for England to keep me happy - but of course if he does, then its not a bad thing!
