Source: Liverpool_Echo
Liverpool FC 12 days of Christmas - Number Eight: Steven Gerrard
As the festive season approaches, we have put together a special online 12 days of Christmas with a Liverpool FC twist. A new installment will be online at www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/lfc and www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/lfc each day up to the 25th[LNB]LIVERPOOL'S current number eight has already written himself into Anfield folklore as one of the greatest players in the club's long history.[LNB]Long before Steven Gerrard's first-team debut in 1998, those who kept abreast of developments around Liverpool's junior sides were well aware of the rangy midfielder from Huyton and the high hopes club staff held for him.[LNB]After substitute appearances against Blackburn and Spurs, the 18-year-old's first start against Celta Vigo in the Reds' doomed attempt to salvage a first leg UEFA Cup third round deficit proved there was substance to the expectations heaped on the youngster.[LNB]While Haim Revivo's strike ended Liverpool's European hopes for the season, Gerrard's mature performance in contrast to some of his more experienced colleagues provided some consolation on an otherwise disappointing Anfield evening.[LNB] Gerrard's first experience of a Merseyside derby four months later - twice racing back to kick late goalbound efforts off the line after trademark David James calamities to help seal the first win over the Blues in five years - cemented his worth to the squad Gerard Houllier was seeking to build as his reign in sole charge took shape and, by the time he bagged his first goal for the club with a classy strike against Sheffield Wednesday as 1999 drew to a close, he was fast becoming a first team regular.[LNB] International recognition was not far away with Gerrard fast-tracked into the England team during Euro 2000 and making an impressive contribution in his country's 1-0 win over Germany in an otherwise forgettable tournament.[LNB]Ten goals in the Treble year of 2000/01, including one in the UEFA Cup Final win over Alaves, showed how his game was developing an attacking edge to go along with his versatility - as well as sterling efforts in both full-back positions, Gerrard was regularly played in a variety of midfield roles, often proving to be the best player on the pitch wherever he was deployed - rapidly making a manager's dream and one of the most coveted young players in the country, the PFA Young Player of the Year award being just one of many tributes coming his way.
