Controversial :- does gerrard need a rest

I know Stevie G. has been a great servant to the club, but in recent games he seems to be exhausted after about 50 minutes.

Does anyone think he should be rested for a few games or maybe only play half a game for a few games. At some point we are going to have to bite the bullet as he can't go on forever.

I agree he is our best midfielder when all are fully fit, but I would like to see more of Sahin and Suso.

Now that Lucas is back we do not need Gerrard playing a deep role as he has done most of the season so we could give him a rest on the bench for a few games and if all is going well we do not need to bring him on.

I await the backlash.....

 

No backlash it's a sensible question but I disagree. With Lucas back and another midfielder going box to box we don't need Gerrard doing all the running, he should be getting in positions ready to receive the ball and start the attack again therefore playing to his strengths.

 

With every one positioned where they are best, Gerrard is world class.

But every player needs a rest/ to be rotated from time to time. Especially if they are under 22 or over 32.

I dont think think is controversial at all.

 

I labelled it controversial as BR seems to think Gerrad should play every game for the full 90 mins. Some fans seem to think we should never start a prem game without Gerrard on the pitch even if he is clearly tired or carrying a niggle.

I agree he should play more to the front of midfield and do less ball chasing and now that Lucas is back hopefully he can and support Suarez more

 

I agree SG needs to be 'managed' properly over the remaining two or three seasons of
his career.But this is something BR is aware of and will deal with accordingly.
There was a moment in the 2nd half yesterday when Gerrard was breaking through the
middle with Suarez (I think) to his right,the move breaking down when Gerrard had the
ball nicked off him by a back-tracking opponent.
I thought at the time,a few years back Gerrard would have attacked the last defender
with pace and got a shot in,but he didn't seem to have it in the tank.
It's bound to happen as he ages but I think he still has a major role to play in our midfield
for a year or two yet,but it does need managing as we look to draft in alternatives for the future.

 

In a couple of years he can have a nice long rest...
I agree that with Lucas back we can play Stevie in a position where he can be more effective with less effort.

I have to say though, I know I'm a bit old school- but all the talk these days of players being "drained" and "exhausted" etc., does make me laugh.

 

A rest a few games ago? Sure, he needed it to give him the kick up the arse he deserves.

A rest now? Not for me. Still deserves the kick up the arse but with Lucas now available, Stevie can play further forward were his laziness (which is still unacceptable and needs to improve) won't effect the team's performance as much.

 

hmmmmm


If he's tired he need a rest, if he's not tired he doesn't. I don't see whats up for debate.

So.. Stevie.. Are you tired?

 

I saw this yesterday too but it struck me that he didn't get enough support a bit closer to him. He looked for it but the players weren't there.

Its just awareness of his team mates that as a match progresses Stevie can still turn & drive but for only ten yards rather than 30. They need to play to his weaknesses to continue to benefit from his strengths.

I don't personally see why he is played for 90 minutes either but hey like I said before; who at the moment do we have that will do better. And by better I don't mean the ability to run faster or further a la Hendersons chicken dancing.

 

He needs a kick up the arse.

 

Been suggesting this for weeks, as have others.

Yes is the answer.

 

I think it was more to do with not getting a 'man on' shout. However, the Gerrard of old would have stormed on regardless

 

i want to be clear ehre. i call gerrard he who cannot be touched o nthis site as it seems no matter how lazy or ineffective he is he stays on for 90mins.

I also want to say gerrard doens't just tires after 50mins.... he runs out of steam after 20.... he'll play a bit in each half then sit back and neither track back nor make the runs beyond needed and he is relying on a bit of passing to get through the games.

After 70mins he's totally out... then i nthe last 5 he puts a bit more effort in to be seen as the guy still working... I am astounded he's never called on this stuff.

suarez never stops... he's young but works far harder than anyone else in the team, if gerrard would even put i nthe effort for60mins and accept being subbed i'd support him fully but this 90mins of a half player is no good.