Wednesday 20 August 2014

A Little Steven Gerrard Rant

I don't get the criticism of Steven Gerrard. I really don't.

I think it stems from a misconception of his role in the side. I constantly see him described as a defensive midfielder. He is not a defensive midfielder, and never will be. He is not playing as a defensive midfielder. Giving a player that title just because they are stationed in front of the defence is lazy. Defensive midfield is a role, not a position.

He is playing deep, but that does not automatically make him a defensive player. His duty is to initiate attacks. The position offers him space and time on the ball, maximising his ludicrous passing range. A passing range which, to me, seems undervalued.

Yes, his position on the pitch dictates that he must be competent defensively. And he is. This is where I think his role is misunderstood, and subsequently people demand too much. It is often thought that to play in front of a defence, you have to be a destroyer. You have to be dynamic; bustling about to try and regain possession. This is nonsense. Why can't players higher up the pitch do the leg work, with Gerrard controlling behind?

That's why our captain always looks at his best in a 1-2 midfield, sitting behind two combative players. We have the personnel for that. Henderson, Allen, Can and Coutinho are all suited to playing in the two in front.

Steven Gerrard, looked at objectively, is one of the best passers in world football. I say that without a doubt. Let's utilise it.

Don't play him alongside Lucas again please Brendan. In fact, don't play anyone alongisde him in a 2-1 midfield.

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