First of all, great OP sums up my exact feelings about the legend, the God that is Steven Gerrard. I grew up idolising him aswell, his insane bullet goals, his ability to pick the team up and carry them across the line by himself was amazing. In 2005 we had probably the shittest team ever to win the European Cup (the Porto fairytale the year prior the only one at least recently I can think could even be included in the conversation), but Stevie put in one of the greatest performances you will ever see in any sport, that 5th star which should be displayed above the crest more often is as much his as anyone's. Everything about Gerrad oozes class, and he would probably be the one footballer I respect the most in the history of the sport, at least the only one I respect as much as the King.
This is a bit from left-field (*prospective pun alert* actually he'd probably be better on the right), i'd love to hear RAWK's thoughts.. I think we could still get all the best out of Stevie's incredible technical ability, without sacrificing the midfield strength and balance Lucas, Hendo, Allen provides. Playing him were Sterling was against Spurs I think would be incredible. He would be amazing during counter attacks there, yes he isn't the quickest these days, but his vision, ability to hit a sixpence from 60 metres away, and intelligence of passing choices would mean the genius runs made by the likes of Hendo, Suarez and Sturridge wouldn't go unrewarded. He is one of the classiest finishers in world football still, and having him as effectively a wide forward would mean he'd get alot more chances to score and you wouldn't see the same wastefulness some of the younger lads in the squad have should a good opportunity come his way. He'll be able to outmuscle and outwit the majority of fullbacks he comes across, I think he'd balance out brilliantly with Johnson behind him, plus his tackling ability and strength would be fantastic when he gets back to help out in defence.. He can cross as good as anyone in world ever, he'd draw defenders and make it impossible not to give someone world class space in our most advances positions without completely parking the bus. Coupled with a machine of a midfield this would be incredibly effective, almost impossible to play a highline without being punished and therefore very hard to assert any kind of dominance over us. When he played on the right under Rafa he scored for fun and was very fucking good, alot has changed since then and I don't think he'd have the same reservations, he now plays in a team with Suarez, Sturridge and Coutinho, arguably the best attack in his LFC career, if you don't agree with that surely you'd agree it has that potential..
We need to get him on the pitch somewhere, his setpieces, leadership and ability do change a game in an instant with his class cannot be replaced. The only issue is with a fully fit squad who out of Sturridge and Coutinho looses their place, Sturridge I guess it isnt clear even how he'd fit into they way we've played most recently.. Anyway i'm rambling now, thoughts ?
