http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/154348-gerrard-i-know-i-can-get-this-right Steven Gerrard has spoken of his determination to make the holding position in front of Liverpool's defence his own and build on a supreme display in the deep role against Everton on Tuesday. Reds fans first glimpsed the 33-year-old there during the clashes against Oldham Athletic and Stoke City in early January. However, Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com following the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa six days later that he had found it difficult throughout the first half, sitting just ahead of the back four. please log in to view this image Tuesday night saw the skipper at his authoritative and uncompromising best, as he orchestrated the Reds' stunning 4-0 defeat of Everton from deep. And after accepting a man of the match award for his derby performance in Anfield's Carlsberg lounge, Gerrard insisted: "It's a different position to the one that I've played for the last 12 or 15 years. "Previously, I've been trying to get from box to box. But the new role is more about control and organising the people in front of me. "I know that with time and work on the training pitch, I can get it right because I believe I can play in a number of positions." Gerrard put the Reds ahead in the Merseyside derby in the 21st minute when he anticipated Luis Suarez's corner, nodded beyond Tim Howard and sprinted to the main stand to celebrate with the Uruguayan and the supporters. But the night was about to get even better for the delirious Kopites packed into Anfield. Daniel Sturridge chipped in with two sublime strikes before Suarez ran from the half-way line to roll beyond Howard for 4-0. "I've got to be honest; I thought it was going to be a really cagey affair," reflected Gerrard. "I thought maybe one goal either way would have decided it. But the way we played, I thought it could have been even more. "I think the Tottenham result away from home was fantastic and also beating Manchester United. But for me, the most important thing is always the derby at home, so to beat them 4-0 is great."
I believe Gerrard can do this role against certain teams so long as his mind set is right. He showed how good he can be against Everton but he always ups his game against them and the mancs. The question is, can he do it against other teams that are not big direct rivals? Can he do it against the likes of Newcastle, Southampton, Spurs, WBA, etc? One thing I am certain of, he's not the right man for the job when it comes to pacey counter-attacking sides. Villa showed that, he just couldn't cope with their pace and got left behind in the first half of that game (he played more advanced in the second half after the introduction of Lucas / Allen). Teams like Arsenal and Chelsea will have fun with him too because of the quality they have in the AM departments.
yeah sides who are no name to him come along and instead of defending deep come and press right up on him could prosper. I think the bigger sides should see a different tactic from us in midfield per everton and the others drop in. Its when everyone thinks they should be attacking cos its only west brom and him and 2 cbs are left exposed is the question.
I think that playing against Naismith probably helped make him look good on Tuesday - I am yet to be convinced! Given that we don't seem likely to sign anyone who can play there, though, I guess we'll find out if he can do it against different sides soon enough
What also is crucial with Gerrard there, and probably necessary for our race in any case - is that all around him chip in to help by tracking back and pressing hard - Hendo, Sterling, Coutinho, Suarez and Sturridge, with Flanagan and LB/Cissockho pitching in energetically from the flanks too. IMO he can't do it alone, but if he is feeling supported, then he will reflect it back on the team through his great leadership qualities, get vocal, organize, go for the tackle, and play inspired in his forward game as well.
I'm sure he can do the job. He may need assistance against particularly athletic clubs... but by and large I'm sure he can adapt. The problem is if we lose 4th place whilst he adapts to the role. I'd much rather he trained for the role over summer instead of starting now.
