If I were to say 12 months ago that Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s talismanic captain, would find it difficult to get into the starting line-up, I would have been checked into a psychiatric ward.
Here we are, though, in the infancy of the 2011/2012 season and Liverpool’s form is sky high. Only three league games have passed, yet 7 points are already on the board and the club have already recorded their first league win at Arsenal in more than a decade.
With Steven Gerrard recovering from a serious groin injury, Dalglish has begun the season with Lucas and Charlie Adam in the central midfield berths. Lucas, who was voted the ‘Standard Chartered Fans player of the year’ for the 2010/2011 season, has started the current campaign in fine form and Charlie Adam has slotted seamlessly into the team.
The favoured formation thus far has been 4-4-2, albeit in a very fluid structure, with King Kenny preferring a two-pronged strike force.
All of which begs the question, where does Steven Gerrard fit into these plans?
Without doubt, Steven Gerrard’s best position is in central midfield, where he can utilise his endless qualities. However, with Lucas and Adam occupying the two central midfield positions, it seems as though Steven Gerrard may have to change his role to warrant starting.
Another option for Dalglish is to use Steven Gerrard as a right midfielder. Rafael Benitez controversially used Gerrard in this role at the beginning of his tenure as Liverpool manager and received widespread criticism. Despite this, Gerrard bagged an impressive number of goals from right midfield and his crossing ability would provide Andy Carroll with stellar service. Even so, Jordan Henderson is improving with every game at right midfield, and another new signing – Stewart Downing – looks lethal when he cuts in from the right onto his favoured left foot.
In recent years, Steven Gerrard has played as a ‘second striker’, usually behind Fernando Torres. At times, the ‘G & T’ partnership was unstoppable, as Stevie G made late runs into the box and released his strike partner with perfect passes. Gerrard performed at his best in this formation with Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano behind him.
Crucially, Liverpool once again have two very similar players who can play those roles – Charlie Adam and Lucas respectively – which suggests Gerrard could quite easily occupy this role in the current Liverpool side supporting either Luis Suarez or Andy Carroll. Nevertheless, it seems as though Dalglish wants his two January signings to forge a partnership between themselves.
The likelihood is that Steven Gerrard will slot straight back into the Liverpool starting XI, but he is no longer guaranteed a start in a resurgent Reds side on the rise.
it is a welcomed development for d team and an handsome headache for the coaching staff.
Check in then this artical is Bs we all know who stevie G is and what he brings king kenny keegan stevie g most famous liverpool players ever what you going on about.
stevie is world class he can get into any midfield he will find himself in the starting line up in a few games
King will find a solution.The guys are settling in and Stevie will find a way into the team.
Gerrard is world class and will make the starting line up! Just because we finally have a better qulity of player doesn’t mean you leave out one of the few truley world class players you have!
Silly argument
Steven Gerrard will replace jordan henderson, the truth is that, the guy is still young and will have may games under his belt. I however feel that, form should be criteria- will Gerrard re-ignite the quality of former glory days or reputation will be considered thereby jeopardising team. I feel that Liverpool need to weigh the best for the team
Ok, let’s get back to reality. Once Stevie G is match fit he will be back in the starting line-up. If you think liverpool is playing well now think about Downing-Gerard-Lucas-Kuyt with Suarez and Caroll/Bellamy up top. Haha man this is going to be crazy!!!
Not being funny but Stevie G can get into the team any time. He baisically rules everything at LFC. What he sais…goes! Trust me, if he wanted to be in the team next week, he would be in it!
Whatever position kenny decides to play him in stevie has to start hes far too good to be left on the bench
there is no way that Steven G will be on the bench at Liverpool some one have to make a way, am sorry in these case it will be Jordan H.
I know you in yOur rights to write articles about Liverpool ( which I enjoy reading btw ) but more or less saying Stevie G wont be a regular starter is F’in nuts!! We haven’t seen him play in awhile but let’s not forget HE’S A LEGEND AND ONE OF THE GRESTEST PLAYERS ON THIS PLANET…..EVER!! YNWA