21 Apr 2020 18:31:31
Hi ED001,

I hope you are keeping ok.

I was recently reading the Steven Gerrard autobiography and there were some pages dedicated to his change of position into the 'quarter back' role (as BR used to describe it) . SG had admitted to BR that he thought his performances were slightly off. Subsequently, BR arranged for more detailed analysis. This showed that he was lacking in his head movement and not picking up angles quickly which leads me to my question: In your view are these traits related to age in the way that as you start to get older you naturally become slower (physically and instictively in the mind) less confident and are more focussed on getting the basics of what you are doing correct (especially in an aggressive fast paced midfield) as in SG's case you look up and make angles less? Also if it is an 'age' thing, then what would you advise the older player could do to improve their game - specifically 5 a side (asking for a friend ;-) )

Thanks Ed, would appreciate your feedback.

{Ed001's Note - no, it was related to his attitude. Gerrard was not one for thinking of the defence and his focus was always on looking at getting set to play passes. Someone like Henderson is constantly looking from side to side, because he is always preparing to cover a break. Gerrard was always looking at where he would be playing a pass or breaking into space. Gerrard was mentally unsuited to the role. He was always slow to react to danger, rather than anticipating it and being in position to cut it out. That is why he so often made those last-ditch tackles that so many fans loved him for. It was poor play as he was caught sleeping and had to charge in. A good defensive player very rarely has to make last-ditch challenges.}


1.) 21 Apr 2020
21 Apr 2020 19:33:27
Thanks Ed, really interesting read.

{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate. It is something I had said of Gerrard throughout his career. The ability to do anything was there, but his mentality was all about getting the glory, rather than doing what was needed. It stopped him becoming the best midfielder we ever had and also contributed to the club not winning as much as it should with him in the team. Gerrard could have been the complete midfielder if he had just taken more notice of the defensive side of the game. We know he was capable as he had been excellent in defensive positions early on.}


2.) 21 Apr 2020
21 Apr 2020 22:23:33
ed001 where do you put him among the great Liverpool players for me Kenny and Hansen then Barnes are my top 3 players. I know what you mean about getting the Glory the midfield 3 that Gerrard played in was great if I could have any of them now in there peak I would love Xabi Alonso he controlled games great in the middle of the park and I think he would be great in are midfield.

{Ed001's Note - Souness, Keegan and Liddell would be ahead of Gerrard as well for me. I would pick Alonso over him if I was choosing a player to play for me, but for Liverpool Gerrard has to come ahead of him for longevity.}


3.) 22 Apr 2020
22 Apr 2020 13:11:54
Yeah some players don't have the discipline for a defensive role but that's what Gary medel and mascherano and fabinhos are for

If we had Gerrard back in our team he wouldn't be a defensive minded midfielder.


4.) 22 Apr 2020
22 Apr 2020 20:35:56
Spot on, Edo01 regarding SG. There is a reason why Rafa (who spotted all these flaws you have mentioned) wanted him to use all that energy and natural ability to pick a pass and look for what space to play it in, to play on the right wing cos his delivery was immaculate. His goals and assists in the one season 05/ 06 he played on the right were off the charts as well.

SG was miles ahead of Scholes and Lampard in terms of natural ability, athleticism, raw skill, vision and passing range. Neither of these guys can hold a candle to SG, IMO. Had he imply possessed the type of discipline, defensive acumen and attitude that Hendo possesses (and we see how he has become a great player and leader, as a result), he would have been a much bigger force esp. with Alonso next to him cos IMO, he made SG a much better player.

{Ed001's Note - Alonso was an incredible player.}