In a fairer world, this season would have seen Steven Gerrard leave the Premier League in rapturous fashion—but 2014/15 has not afforded the long-serving Liverpool captain such luxury.
The Reds’ penultimate EPL fixture vs. Crystal Palace, and Gerrard’s final game at Anfield, was sabotaged by Alan Pardew’s club—after three unanswered goals followed an Adam Lallana opener. What should have been a congratulatory mood felt slightly hollowed by the south Londoners, but emotionally addressing supporters after the match, Gerrard was sent off properly.
An unquestionable Liverpool legend, and one of few in the Premier League’s pantheon of all-time greats, where Gerrard leaves his boyhood club is an interesting question being asked.
Enjoying success last season, Brendan Rodgers has regressed in the current term, and the timing of Gerrard’s American exodus could be an indication of the Northern Irishman’s leadership qualities, or lack thereof.
Should Gerrard have felt wanted, and treated as such at the negotiation table, it stands to reason Liverpool’s one-club man would have continued at his Merseyside post. Leaving for MLS’ Los Angeles Galaxy, however, the former England international’s absence from Anfield will leave a massive void in the club’s power structure.
Injury, suspension, fatigue and general rotation have given Rodgers opportunities to visualise his squad without Gerrard this year—Jordan Henderson taking the captain’s armband on numerous occasions. The 24-year-old seems a viable option for Gerrard in terms of Liverpool’s midfield scheme, but in terms of sentimental value, the former Sunderland man does not exactly scream “leader.”
Not three years ago, Rodgers informed Henderson he could leave Liverpool for Fulham‘s Craven Cottage, as noted by the Telegraph‘s Chris Bascombe. While proving his manager wrong in ensuing seasons, one wonders how Rodgers feels about handing the England international the keys to Anfield.
The Liverpool bosses’ hands may be forced, though, as the other options currently in his squad are rather bleak. Arguably, two of Rodgers three best players are both undependable, for differing reasons, but undependable nonetheless.
Daniel Sturridge has been a revelation since his January 2013 move from Chelsea; in 67 appearances the centre-forward has scored 47 goals. Costing just £12 million, Sturridge could be Rodgers’ best transfer dealing, but there is a slight issue with the 25-year-old—he cannot stay fit.
One cannot assume a leadership position, especially not Gerrard’s, when their team cannot count on their presence. Sturridge missed 33 games through injury in 2014/15, and will not appear until next year after undergoing hip surgery earlier this month—as documented by Andy Hunter of the Guardian.
Were Liverpool fans looking for the most talented player to take Gerrard’s mantle, Raheem Sterling would certainly fit the bill. Establishing himself as a first-team regular before the age of 20, Sterling could eventually match Gerrard’s longevity, but copying the captain’s loyalty is an altogether different matter.
Jose Mourinho told reporters two weekends ago, via BBC Sport, he attempted at Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid to sign Gerrard, but the midfielder rejected him on at least three occasions to stay in Merseyside. Gerrard’s heart pumps Liverpool’s shade of red, not necessarily green, i.e. money.
Whether Sterling can reject lucrative paydays at other top European clubs will a prevalent topic over the upcoming summer transfer window, much less 17 seasons with 700 appearances.
Quickly replacing Gerrard with one man is an impossible task—cultivating another player of his stature will take a few years, and also some luck.
It is possible Henderson, Sturridge and Sterling (or even Philippe Coutinho) could transform into the next era’s Liverpool’s legend—given time—but expecting any one man to carry Gerrard’s burden with immediate effect is asking them to be summarily crushed.
Liverpool must move forward by committee—hoping at least one candidate distinguishes himself along the way.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase.com where not noted.
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