So all the articles of praise apparently are swarming the net. I say APPARENTLY, because I am going by what others have said. I have not clicked or read one single article perpetuating the myth that Gerrard is a Premier League legend that is anywhere NEAR the greatness of Henry, Cantona or Zola. But let's just tell it as it is and be as objective as we can be.
And I don't mean trophies. I am talking about crucial winners, performances and coming through in tight spots. That goal against Olympiakos, the various g's against the rivals of United, that one he did against West Ham in the FA Cup final? These are memories that no Liverpool fan will forget and Gerrard is right in the middle of them. But...we all know THE moment that in my view, puts Gerrard pretty much at the top of the list as far Liverpool players go....
That nightmare (for Milanistas) in Istanbul....
There is always that ONE key goal that can swing things in an improbable comeback, and that was the Gerrard headed early enough in the second half.
Once he scored, you could see the lift that it gave the team. I did not think they would come back even after that goal. But I feared that I was going to witness something crazy, and once Smicer scored....then I knew the game had changed and AC Milan had been rocked to the core.
But that is the greatest moment in Gerrard's career. You didn't hear me? I'll say it again.....
THAT IS THE GREATEST MOMENT IN ALL OF GERRARD'S CAREER THAT INCLUDES BOTH LIVERPOOL AND ENGLAND.
Better? No problem, just ask and I shall better enunciate myself.
That is your domestic league title, and the Champions League. Your domestic cup is there, but does not hold the same importance as the league and Champions trophy. It just doesn't and there is no need disputing that fact.
Gerrard never did it. He had it in the palm of his hands, but that slip as well as Rodgers' unfathomable tactics is what cost them the league title. Simple and plain.
So I have to pause before I now put Gerrard on the same pedestal as Henry and Cantona as well as Giggs, who are players who won it ALL. Well not Cantona, but Giggs and Henry are on a whole other level footballing-wise as well as talking about achievements in comparison to Gerrard. That is just the cold truth. Anyone who says otherwise is either a Liverpool fan or thinks football is something played with your hands and a shopping basket.
But Gerrard has been great for Liverpool. There are times when he could have left. During his peak in 2006, he was considered one of the best midfielders in the world and rightly so, for his amazing passing and attacking abilities. But the reality was shown when he and England flopped so badly at that World Cup in Germany. He still could have sought out a greater challenge at a bigger club, but decided to stay and ground it out with his team.
It will be very emotional for him. A man of the people, who came from the area, dedicating the bulk of his career to the one club. To finally say goodbye, won't be an easy thing. But it's the right move to make.
Liverpool have to move on, and must create a fresh generation of players and stop relying on the past. It will definitely be a shock to see Liverpool play a full season without the number eight in the middle of the field, but this is football and these things happen. But Gerrard is no Premier League legend or a player who is amongst the best to grace the league. When you do however talk about one man's service to a SINGLE club....very few players that I know of has done and given more to Liverpool than Steven Jeremiah Gerrard.
HH
