Gerrard stuck with wing duties
20 Sep 2006 - 13:23:47
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told Steven Gerrard he may have to get used to playing on the left flank.
The Reds captain believes his best position is in the centre of midfield, but Benitez prefers to use Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko there, with Gerrard shifted out wide.
The 26-year-old is comfortable playing in his international position on the right wing, but less happy about being selected on the left, where he started Liverpool's 1-0 defeat at Chelsea last weekend.
Benitez said: "Steven is happier playing in the middle and we know that but I cannot put Xabi or Momo on the wing.
"If they are playing well, we know Steven has a lot of quality and we can use him in another position, on the right, the left or behind the main striker, that will benefit the team.
"Zinedine Zidane played on the left many times even though he preferred to play just behind the strikers and Ronaldinho plays on the right, even though he would prefer to be behind the strikers too.
"That's how it is with good players. They can play in any position. Steven is our captain and he knows that."