Friday, May 18, 2007

Steven Gerrard: Captain Fantastic

Steven Gerrard was born in Huyton, Liverpool on 30 May 1980.



He has been with Liverpool since the start of his career as a trainee on 26 February 1988. Gerrard made his debut for Liverpool in November 1998 as a sub against Blackburn. His full debut came in the UEFA Cup against Celta Vigo.

The midfield ace has been dogged by injury problems but there is no doubting his determination and great ability. Particularly impressive are his vision that enables his accurate long passing, and his shooting accuracy from long range.

Gerrard's skill has attracted praise from some unlikely quarters. In May 2004 Sir Alex Ferguson told the Sunday Times:

"He has become the most influential player in England, bar none. Not that Vieira lacks anything, but Gerrard does more."

Steven Gerrard has won with Liverpool the Worthington Cup (twice), the FA Cup and the UEFA Cup. However, he has made it known that he craves higher honours and now that's just what Gerrard has done.

When Liverpool beat Chelsea in the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2005, Steven Gerrard said of the forthcoming final: "It will be the proudest moment of my career when I lead these incredible men out in Istanbul."

But Steven Gerrard was even prouder after Liverpool's incredible victory against AC Milan in the Champions League final. A regular for England when fit, Steven Gerrard scored his first goal for his country with a typically brilliant shot in the impressive 5-1 win over Germany in September 2001. Gerrard has regularly captained Liverpool after first being given the opportunity by Gerard Houllier in October 2003.

In November 2005, Steven Gerrard came an impressive third just behind Frank Lampard and Ronaldinho in the European Footballer of the Year - the award known as the Ballon D'Or - voted for by European football journalists selected by French magazine France Football.

Steven Gerrard was named the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year in 2006.



It proved to be just the start of a great end-of season for the Liverpool captain. Gerrard pulled off a stupendous performance in the FA Cup Final against West Ham. The highlight was his last minute strike when suffering from cramp to level the scores in the 90 minutes at 3-3. Liverpool, captained by Steve Gerrard went on to win on penalties.

Steven Gerrard was part of England's 2006 World Cup squad, but he was not at his best and he, Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher missed their penalties in the losing shoot-out against Portugal.

Thanks to the author


No comments: