Steven Gerrards Potential Injury Could Be a Blessing in Disguise for Liverpool Whisper it quietly, but the news that Steven Gerrard could miss this weekends match with Fulham could be a welcome development for both the player and the team. The 33-year-old captain has been an ever-present for both club and country this season, starting every match he has appeared in, whether it be Premier League, League Cup, international friendly or World Cup qualifier. Thats 17 appearances in 13 weeks—a lot for a player younger than Gerrard, and certainly a lot for a player in the twilight of his career. Last season, Gerrard played the full 90 minutes of every Premier League game until shoulder surgery forced him to miss the final two fixtures. Understandably, Brendan Rodgers speaks highly of Liverpools inspirational captain—which he undoubtedly is, especially of late, Gerrards form and fitness have created a talking point among Liverpool supporters. The reliance on him for both club and country looks to have taken its toll. This isnt to suggest that Gerrard should be dropped, but a 33-year-old midfielder should be managed more effectively. He shouldnt be starting every single game, especially when he looks as laboured as he has of late. The use of Gerrard in the two League Cup fixtures was a waste for some. Such games should be used to allow rest for Gerrard and as an opportunity for squad players. Rodgers, perhaps fearing a backlash if he werent to pick Gerrard, could learn from the way in which Alex Ferguson rotated Ryan Giggs from a similar situation, therefore prolonging Giggs playing career and getting the most from his stalwart. Arsenal Performance As noted by the excellent Zonal Marking tactical blog, Gerrard was ineffective against Arsenal on Saturday: Liverpool’s midfield zone seemed rather disorganised, with Gerrard and Lucas often bypassed too easily. Kristian Walsh wrote in The Telegraph that Gerrards play suffered: His 90 minutes against Arsenal was one of his worst in recent memory. His passing was erratic, while his movement off the ball was one-paced and lackadaisical. Mikel Arteta, a midfield of some class but not much dynamism, had plenty of space to operate, bursting forward while Gerrard shuffled behind. One such burst eventually lead to Arsenal’s opening goal. At his age, Gerrard isnt able to press high up the pitch and still be able to recover quickly to counter dynamic midfielders as talented and mobile as Arsenals, which Liam Tomkins of Kopsource tweeted: Can somebody tell Steven Gerrard this is not a testimonial match. Rodgers though, does not seem willing to remove his captain, no matter the circumstances or how abundantly clear that Gerrard isnt playing well. At The Emirates, Rodgers had a sub remaining and Joe Allen on the bench. Even with Gerrard having picked up a knock, the manager still didnt sub him. Opportunity for Allen Liverpools lack of control in midfield this season has become a major talking point, with Lucas Leiva and Gerrard struggling to provide the dynamism required in the key area of the pitch. This when a player whose main skill is keeping possession, who was signed for £15 million to do just that job, sits on the bench. The potential injury to Gerrard could be just the opportunity that Rodgers needs to re-introduce Allen to the side. Do you think Gerrard needs to be rested vs Fulham? A Liverpool side with Allen and Philippe Coutinho in midfield should provide the possession football that you would expect from Rodgers side. Regardless of injury, it could be argued that Rodgers would be better off resting his captain against Fulham at Anfield on Saturday. Theres yet another international break after this weekends round of Premier League fixtures, with England playing two friendlies. Injury for Gerrard would also provide the opportunity for him to miss those and thus have a three-week break before the Merseyside Derby. Liverpool have been over-reliant upon Gerrard for more than a decade, so nows the time for Rodgers to protect both his player and his team. bleacherreport
Posted on: Tue, 05 Nov 2013 23:12:01 +0000