Source: Daily_Mail
Gerrard cannot take much more of the deepening crisis at Liverpool
Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres took a private jet to Zurich yesterday for the FIFA World Player of the Year awards and a brief respite from the crisis engulfing Anfield.[LNB] It was an opportunity to rub shoulders with football's elite at a time when Liverpool's awful form has made a mockery of their claims to be among the world's leading clubs and Rafael Benitez's bold prediction that his side will finish in the top four of the Barclays Premier League once more. [LNB]A seventh league defeat of the season, at Portsmouth on Saturday, again exposed their frailties, leaving Benitez under more pressure than he has ever faced in his time as Liverpool manager. [LNB] Feeling down: Questions are being asked about Steven Gerrard's state of mind[LNB]Most worryingly for the Spaniard, it is no longer a problem with the weakness of his squad but issues at the heart of Liverpool that have proved most damaging this season. [LNB]Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen said cracks are starting to appear in the spine of Benitez's team, and nobody is suffering more than Gerrard. [LNB]The England midfielder has been having pain-killing injections in his troublesome groin injury just to get him on the pitch but it is clear he is operating at half speed as Liverpool have crashed out of the Champions League and fallen well behind in the title race. [LNB]Gerrard's driving runs are not what they were, the bursts of pace severely hampered by his condition. The goals have dried up too - just four for Liverpool this season and none in the last eight games. [LNB]The fact that he remains one of his side's most potent weapons is a sad reflection on his team-mates, who have, in the words of Hansen, failed to 'step up to the plate'. [LNB]Benitez admits the groin problem could affect Gerrard for the rest of his career, which is a terrifying thought for Liverpool fans who have grown accustomed to seeing their captain shoulder the burden of responsibility. [LNB]As fragile as Gerrard's body has become, questions are again being asked about his state of mind. He headed for Switzerland yesterday to stand alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Kaka - players he would consider his equals but who are destined to finish their careers with a collection of medals to match their ability. [LNB]As he approaches his 30th birthday in May, how much longer can Gerrard afford to pursue his dream of winning the title with Liverpool? How many more seasons must be consigned to the dustbin?[LNB] The same could be asked of Torres. He too has been severely restricted by a hernia problem that will require surgery if he is overplayed. Much has been made of the absence of Gerrard and Torres this season, but both played at Fratton Park and neither caused Portsmouth too many problems. [LNB]There is little doubt Javier Mascherano, sent off for the second time this season on Saturday, has suffered through the sale of midfield partner Xabi Alonso, a decision that looks worse by the day as the club wait for his supposed successor Alberto Aquilani to make an impression.[LNB] Another key player, Jamie Carragher, has also fallen short of his high standards. Carragher was slow to react when Frederic Piquionne scored Pompey's second goal on Saturday, although keeper Pepe Reina will look at both goals and wonder whether he could have done better. [LNB]Hansen said: 'Last season Liverpool had players right down the spine - the keeper, Reina, Carragher was playing well, Mascherano was brilliant, Alonso, Gerrard, Torres, and the bits round the side were just filling in. They were playing with confidence and we thought they were half-decent players.[LNB] 'The minute those six started to struggle - or, in Alonso's case, left the club - then the bits round the side had to step up to the plate and, unfortunately, they haven't been able to do it. Liverpool's results have been abysmal.' [LNB] Hampered: Gerrard has been having pain-killing injections in his injured groin[LNB]Defender Daniel Agger admitted as much yesterday as he reflected on the latest setback and looked forward to what has become a huge Boxing Day game against Wolves. [LNB]'We are extremely disappointed and we know that it simply isn't good enough for this club,' said Agger. 'Why is this happening? It's a bit of everything, but we have to get some confidence from somewhere soon.' [LNB] Lionel Messi crowns a stunning year by winning FIFA world player of the year awardWe know we've flopped! Daniel Agger admits Liverpool have let standards slipJavier Mascherano adds to Liverpool woes after sustaining ligament damage during Portsmouth defeat LIVERPOOL FC
