Faster than a speeding bullet; more powerful than a locomotive; able to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Since making his debut 15 years ago, Steven Gerrard – The Man of Steel – has done the improbable week after week, season after season. Next season, though, The Reds’ beloved superhero may have to reinvent himself in order to prolong his status as Liverpool’s saviour. A duty he has held since virtually the turn of the century.
In the first half of this season, Gerrard operated as the most advanced of Liverpool’s midfield triumvirate. Initially, he did struggle to adapt to Brendan Rodgers’ new system and, in fairness, he was not the only one. After being moved into the middle of the three – allowing Jordan Henderson to excel in the most advanced position – he made a valuable contribution the team. Next season, Gerrard is expected by the majority to continue in a deeper role, acting as the link between the most defensive cog in the midfield (more than likely to be Lucas) and the team’s central playmaker (a new singing is expected here, though Coutinho, Henderson and Luis Alberto will probably all get a chance to occupy this position at some point).
If Gerrard is to continue in this position, he will be expected to play in a similar way to how Joe Allen did at the start of last season – keeping the ball moving and the team fluid. Nothing extravagant, no ‘Hollywood balls’, no pile-drivers from range. It will be interesting to see if Gerrard can tailor his individual game to fit this new job description. When the going gets tough, will he stick to the game-plan or will he fly up field all guts, glory and reckless abandon?
One thing for certain is that, whichever area of the pitch belongs to Gerrard next season, he cannot be expected to maintain his grip of the turf for ten months without being allowed to rest. In 2012/13, Gerrard started 36 consecutive league games of the scheduled 38. He would have gone on to play every single minute of the league season if not for a shoulder injury and the fact Liverpool had nothing to compete for in the final stage of the season.
33-year-old Steven Gerrard ages, and one day he will retire. He is The Man of Steel, not Benjamin Button. Gerrard’s kryptonite is the simple fact that he tires, just as a human does. The fact he is human, holds him back from his full potential. He wants to provide more than a human physically can.
The lack of European football for Liverpool next season should provide the whole squad with a welcome extra dose of energy, though it means there is one less trophy available to compete for. However, even in the league, Gerrard cannot continue to play week-in, week-out – as much as Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool supporters and Steven Gerrard would like to think he can.
Nonetheless, it would be ridiculous to suggest Gerrard should be used sparingly in 2013/14 as it is undeniable that he has still has much to offer the team. Steven Gerrard’s ability has never been in doubt. His durability, however, must be scrutinised if Liverpool are to make the most of his ability.
There is the feeling that next season will be a crucial one for Liverpool. True, the same thing is said every year but the club’s swift action in the transfer window this summer seems to indicate that they themselves appreciate the opportunity to finish in a strong league position (namely the top four).
The addition of Kolo Toure, Iago Aspas, Luis Alberto and – in theory if Pepe Reina isn’t sold – Simon Mignolet seem to point towards Liverpool taking a squad-building strategy in pre-season. The benefits of such a strategy would allow players to be rotated and brought in and out of the team, allowing for plenty of rest and the team’s energy levels to be maintained. It is important that the team is fresh throughout the season if they are to consistently pick up points and ultimately finish as high as possible in the table.
There is no need for Steven Gerrard to hang up his cape yet, but for his own and the team’s benefit, it may be time that some of his burden is delegated to the bright young midfield side-kicks around him.
