Steven Gerrard has completed more key passes than any other player in the Barclays Premier League so far this season – perfect proof for the Liverpool captains assertion that he is still able to hurt the opposition. Finding the back of the net with a powerful free-kick from distance at Hull City on Sunday increased the midfielders tally for 2013-14 to three, following penalties against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United. The 33-year-old also ranks higher than the likes of Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, Manchester City duo Samir Nasri and David Silva, Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard and Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney with regards to creating opportunities for a teammate. Gerrard acknowledged that he is operating in a slightly deeper role than in previous seasons, under direction from Brendan Rodgers, but warned that his swashbuckling days are by no means a thing of the past. If you play around good players, they make good movement and put themselves in good positions, the No.8 explained to Liverpoolfc. My job and what the manager wants me to do from my position is to try to create and be a playmaker in there. Maybe Im playing a little bit deeper this year but I can still get into areas where I can hurt the opposition. Thats what Im trying to do. I wasnt aware of the stat but its nice and Id like that to continue until the end of the season. Notably, Gerrards accurate and consistent deliveries from set-piece scenarios - both free-kicks and corners - have contributed to a number of Liverpool goals during the current campaign. Daniel Sturridge was the most recent beneficiary, glancing home in the 89th minute at Goodison Park to rescue a 3-3 draw in the Merseyside derby last month after being advised where to position himself by the skipper. Gerrard continued: Communication on the training pitch and also in the games is vital. I knew exactly where I wanted to put it; putting it there is a different matter. I actually hit one right where I wanted it, and told him where to run and where to be. But its still hard to finish those chances off, so he deserves 50 per cent of the credit as well. We do work on set-pieces. Its a part of my game that Ive tried to work on all my career - to put good deliveries into the box. Ive been putting the ball in really good, inviting areas and the forward players and defenders have been finishing them off. The statistics in football, when it comes down to set-pieces, are huge and can be the difference between winning big football matches and where you finish at the end of the season. Its important that we keep scoring from set-pieces, but also that we tighten up and become more aggressive and ruthless when were defending our own goal. After 13 Premier League fixtures last season, the Reds were in 11th position in the standings and had amassed 16 points; as things stand now, Rodgers side are seven places and eight points better off. So, as Gerrard and co prepare to bounce back from defeat by Hull with quick-fire home matches against Norwich City and West Ham United, what differences has the captain noticed in the team? The manager has added to it, we have got more strength in depth, he responded. I think, over time, since Brendan has been in, people are getting used to the way he wants to play and his ideas. Also, players settling in and getting used to it - the likes of Coutinho and Sturridge. Obviously Luis staying was a massive boost for everyone here, and he has come back firing as well. When youve got world-class players firing, it helps the whole team. Liverpools clash against Norwich is completely sold out - but if you are a season ticket holder and cant attend the game, dont let your seat go empty.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 11:52:55 +0000
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