Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard hailed as complete midfielder

04 December 2009 00:00
IF you had to condense Steven Gerrard's Liverpool career into a single game, there is one that sums it up perfectly.[LNB]A Premier League title triumph notwithstanding, the 2005 Champions League final will go down as the crowning moment of his illustrious contribution to the club's history books.[LNB]It would be a fitting legacy given how it provided everything that has earned him the right to be spoken of among the greats of the game.[LNB]From his breathtaking header to drag Liverpool back into the match, to his drive and desire from the middle of the pitch before slotting in as an emergency right-back, his man of the match performance in the Ataturk Stadium was the story so far in microcosm.[LNB]Without him, Rafael Benitez knows he may still be waiting to get his hands on European football's most coveted trophy.[LNB]'I have seen the final once or twice since,' smiles Benitez.[LNB]'It was amazing. Gerrard's role within the way that we won was crucial. He scored a fantastic goal but also his workrate and the quality he showed was incredible.[LNB]'That's what you get from him.'[LNB]As Gerrard stands on the threshold of his 500th game for Liverpool tomorrow, his manager pays a glowing tribute to him today.[LNB]'To play 500 games is a massive achievement for any player, especially at the same club.[LNB]'He has reached this stage by showing the same passion and commitment for many years.[LNB]'Hopefully he can still play a lot more games for Liverpool. He is at a good age and is very professional. He will reach 500 games this weekend but can still play another 200 or more games for this club.[LNB]'Steven is a key player for us, the kind of player that can make a difference in a game.[LNB]'We have some important players but Stevie is one of those that, when he is playing well, the team can win any game. It doesn't matter if the other players aren't playing well, he can win a game for you with one special moment.'

Source: Liverpool_Echo