Didn't look like he was 'past it' to me during the Euros. I've always said he has 2 or 3 great seasons left in him - people wrote him off too soon. He needs to jib England off though imho Thoughts?
Played alright in the Euro's - stood out in a poor team. I just don't think he has the same impact on the game as he once did. He will definately provide that one magical performance now and again but they are far too frequent. In addition, I feel he slows up play and other midfielders feel intimidated by his presence. Players like Adam, Henderson and Downing stepped up (particularly at the start of the season) when Gerrard wasn't playing. We seem to move the ball around quick, score goals and play attacking football without him. We saw this when Kenn took over the 2nd half of the season, and the 1st half of the next season when Gerrard was injured.
People were saying Giggs was past it in his late twenties and early thirties after a few injuries and he's still going. Definitely life in the old dog yet but agree that his time as a player who drags us through thirty games a season is gone
I think on the lfc website he's saying he'll continue for england. IMO we cannot and should not build any new team round this guy but should shove him into a position like RW where he can be replaced eventually. at RW he can provide loads of crosses to carroll for instance and can run less. IMO if he continues for england he won't play for LFC for very much longer (not 5 years more like 2-3)
While players have to be taken into account in general when selecting your system & style of play for it to be a long term success it can't be based around individual players; especially one in his thirties. Introduce the system, try Gerrard in it and if he disrupts it or can't do it he gets dropped & replaced like any other player otherwise what's the point? I tend to lean on the side that he disrupts the natural rhythm of the team now (not all his fault) but every existing player should be given a chance to see of they work.
I think Henderson is someone who will thrive in Rodger's style of play. His technical ability is 2nd to none and does have vision, I honestly think if he progresses correctly and gains confidence he will go far.
Yep - all the Henderson bashers will be eating their hats I reckon - the lad COULD be massive for LFC. Gerrardlike massive. There I said it.
The only concern I have over Gerrard is the frequency of injury and the time it takes him to get back each time. HE appears to just be hitting top form now, and when did he come back from Injury? March??
Gerrard needs reinventing! One of the reasons I wanted Rafa back was because I felt he would have found a position that would utilise Gerrards current and future abilities. A midfield of Gerrard----------------Lucas---------------------Hendo scares the **** out of me to be frank, no way can we compete for top 4 with that midfield!
I like that midfield but it it does mean that Gerrard is going box to box and he's just not up to it throughout a whole season. When all fit they would be a good combination imo but what happens when Gerrard is injured? We would then be looking at Adam in there and that really doesn't work for me. Henderson--Lucas--Adam We need another top midfielder for example. Gerrard--Lucas--Alonso I imagine most would be happy with that and it means Henderson is cover and is under less pressure.
Certainly thats better than the previous option! I am not convinced that Gerrard is good enough to warrant a place in midfield anymore, certainly as an attacking threat most of his game was built on energy and bursts forward I think largely those days are gone, I also am not sure he has the discipline to sit back and play a defensive game either especially in a midfield three. I am not sure where I would play him to be honest but you are right I think we could only ever play one of Hendo or Gerrard with Lucas, we desperately need a playmaker in midfield and none of them are that!
He hasn't got the legs to be a cm anymore bombing about all game every week. He needs to be behind the strikers or part of a front three with little responsibility to track back.
For me the best position to play Gerrard is in the 'hole' behind a pair of strikers. The days of box to box for him have gone. However, he does have the skill to beat a man and play quick incisive balls in and around the opposition box - as well as some wicked crosses.
I think the days of box-to-box midfielders have gone, never mind just Gerrard. The systems with three in the middle allow for the more attacking players to not track back quite as much meaning thay are fresher when it comes to attacking again. Basically, it keeps player fresh to do their own jobs
